(a) The Council shall operate with one standing committee. (b) The federal Children’s Justice Act Committee is established in accordance with the requirements of the federal Children’s Justice Act, Public Law 100–294. It shall review and evaluate State investigative, administrative, and judicial handling of child abuse and neglect cases, and make policy and training recommendations to improve system response and intervention. The Committee shall include representatives of the State judiciary with criminal and civil trial court docket experience, law enforcement agencies, the Maryland Public Defender’s Office, State’s Attorneys, the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, health and mental health professions, child protective services programs, programs that serve children with disabilities, parent groups, and attorneys who represent children. (c) In addition to the Children’s Justice Act Committee, the Council may establish other ad hoc committees as necessary to carry out the work of the Council.
Maryland Legal Code