(a) There shall be a regional council on children and youth organized by the commission in each of the nine (9) development districts of the state. The regional councils shall perform each of the following duties:

(1) Provide for mutual exchange of information and networking among service providers, advocates and elected officials;

(2) Educate council members, officials, others involved in services for children and youth, and the general public concerning the needs and problems of children and youth in the region and the state;

(3) Coordinate regional and local efforts between public and private service providers to enhance services for children and youth;

(4) Advocate for legislation, policies and programs at the local and regional level to promote and protect the health, well being and development of children and youth;

(5) Collect, compile and distribute data; and

(6) Make recommendations on the needs and problems of children and youth.

(b) The regional councils on children and youth shall be the ongoing communication links between the commission and the various regional and local areas of the state. The councils shall perform information-gathering and problem solving tasks concerning services for children and youth. Each council shall report to the commission, at least annually, its recommendations for improvements in services for children and youth.

(c) The commission shall establish guidelines for the composition and operation of the regional councils. The commission shall provide at least one (1) locally based staff person for each regional council to assist the council in performing the duties assigned by this part. Such staff person shall coordinate, advise and consult with the council, shall provide technical assistance to the council and community organizations serving children and youth, and shall act as liaison to the commission.