(a) Establishment. The Youth Leadership Council is established.
(b) Purpose. The Youth Leadership Council provides a forum for youth who are currently or were formerly in foster care to discuss their experiences with the Texas foster care system and make recommendations to the Department for improving the system.
(c) Tasks. The Youth Leadership Council performs the following tasks:
  (1) Makes recommendations to the Department through scheduled meetings based on the availability of the current or former foster youth; and
  (2) Performs other tasks consistent with its purpose.
(d) Reporting requirements and Department action.
  (1) The Department will gather information on the Youth Leadership Council's activities to compile an annual report.
  (2) The annual report may guide Department policy and practice.
(e) Membership.
  (1) The Youth Leadership Council consists of no more than 24 members.
  (2) Members for the Youth Leadership Council are recommended by regional youth leadership councils, Regional Youth Specialists, Preparation for Adult Living staff, or other individuals familiar with the current or former foster youth.
  (3) Membership requirements:
    (A) Two members will be appointed per region if possible.
    (B) Members must be youth who are currently or were formerly in foster care and who are under the age of 21 when appointed.
(f) Meetings. The Youth Leadership Council will meet a minimum of two times per year.
(g) Decision-making. The Youth Leadership Council will make decisions by consensus.
(h) Abolition. The Youth Leadership Council is abolished, and this section expires, on August 31, 2026.
(i) The Youth Leadership Council is not a "governmental body" for purposes of the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551.

Source Note: The provisions of this §702.515 adopted to be effective July 1, 2016, 41 TexReg 4053