1. A. Basic Considerations. These standards emphasize the role of the governing body in setting policy, identifying need, developing a strategy to address needs and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization. The role of the governing body and the executive director are clearly differentiated; staff do not govern and the governing body does not administer the day-to-day activities. The governing body establishes policies and the staff, at the direction of the executive director, implements programs reflecting those policies. A clear governance structure is in place.

2. B. Standards

   1. 1. The purpose of the program is clearly stated and compatible with the philosophy of the OWS/LCADV.
   2. 2. The program functions in accordance with its stated purpose.
   3. 3. The program has a designated governing authority.
   4. 4. The governing authority is accountable for the program. It ensures the program's compliance with the charter and with relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations.
   5. 5. Members of the governing authority and any advisory body to the governing authority are chosen in a manner that assures a broad base of knowledge and participation in the governance of the program. There is a rotation mechanism to ensure a balance of new members and seasoned members.

   6. 6. The governing authority and any advisory body operate in accordance with acceptable practice.

      1. a. The governing authority designates a person to act as executive director and delegates sufficient authority to this person to manage the program. An annual performance evaluation is conducted by the governing authority.
   7. 7. The governing authority establishes policies for the efficient and effective operation of the program.
   8. 8. The program takes a leadership role in identifying and addressing needs of family violence survivors and their children.
   9. 9. The program sets goals and objectives for its management; service delivery; and systems change functions, developing plans to achieve them.
   10. 10. The program evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of its management, service delivery and systems change functions.
   11. 11. The program has documentation of its authority to operate under state law. There will be either a charter, partnership agreement, constitution, articles of association, or by-laws.
   12. 12. The program has documents identifying the governing body's addresses; their terms of membership; officers; and officers' terms.
   13. 13. The program has written minutes of formal meetings of the governing body and by-laws specifying frequency of meetings and quorum requirements.
   14. 14. The program informs designated representatives of the Office of Women's Services prior to initiating any substantial changes in the program, services or physical plant.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:2122B and R.S. 46:2127B1.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Office of the Governor, Office of Women's Services, LR 27:528 (April 2001).