To carry out its assigned functions, the board is authorized, but not limited to:

1. (1) assess the critical needs for child abuse and neglect prevention;
2. (2) receive gifts, bequests, and devises for deposit and investment into the trust fund and to award grants to private nonprofit organizations and state agencies that meet certain qualifications;
3. (3) invest trust fund monies;
4. (4) solicit proposals for programs which will be aimed at meeting identified child abuse and neglect prevention needs;
5. (5) provide technical assistance to private, nonprofit organizations, when requested, in preparing proposals for submission to the trust fund;

6. (6) establish criteria for awarding of grants for child abuse and neglect prevention which shall include the consideration of at least:

   1. (a) the priority of the service need that the proposal addresses;
   2. (b) the quality and soundness of the proposal and its probable effectiveness in accomplishing its objectives;
   3. (c) a cost-benefit analysis of the project;
   4. (d) the degree of community support for the proposal;
   5. (e) the utilization of local resources including volunteers, when appropriate, and matching or in-kind contributions which may be, but are not required;
   6. (f) the qualifications of employees to be hired under the grant;
   7. (g) the experience of the proposed project administrators in providing on going accountability for the program;
7. (7) enter into contracts for the awarding of grants to private, nonprofit organizations for child abuse and neglect prevention.

HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 361, Section 2; 2008 Act No. 273, Section 1.