1. (a) The department shall partner with one or more public or private institutions of higher education to inventory and map resources available for children in the juvenile justice system. To determine the types of information the department requires to timely identify and address resource, program, and service gaps in probation regions that result in commitments to department secure facilities, the department shall consult with:

   1. (1) institutions of higher education;
   2. (2) the advisory council on juvenile services; and
   3. (3) other relevant stakeholders.

2. (b) The board shall adopt rules requiring juvenile probation departments, at useful and reasonable intervals, to report to the department relevant information on resource, program, and service gaps identified under Subsection (a), including information on:

   1. (1) the needs of children committed to the department that are not being met with community resources; and
   2. (2) the types of resources, programs, and services that, if available in the community, may allow juvenile probation departments to keep children closer to home as an alternative to commitment to the department.

Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 950 (S.B. 1727), Sec. 28, eff. September 1, 2023.