EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 11 - Office of the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, the Alabama Department of Human Resources (“DHR”) was created and authorized under section 38-2-1, et seq., of the Code of Alabama;

WHEREAS, DHR provides extensive services to the citizens of this state, including adults and children, and employs thousands of citizens to fulfill its statutory responsibilities;

WHEREAS, county, municipal, and private programs and resources exist throughout the state, as a result of the R.C. Decree or otherwise, and are extremely beneficial to the local areas and citizens; and

WHEREAS, increased coordination between DHR and local programs and resources would maximize the utilization of the state’s resources as well as enhance the efficiency and delivery of services to Alabama citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, based upon these considerations, and for other good and valid reasons related thereto, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama, do hereby establish the Alabama Human Resources Task Force (“Task Force”), to include:

Mac McCutcheon, State Representative, Task Force chair
Chris England, State Representative
Lyn Head, District Attorney
Nancy Buckner, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Human Resources
Greg Reed, State Senator
Chris Newlin, Executive Director, National Children’s Advocacy Center
Adrienne LaBudde, Attorney
Paul Vincent, Expert, Child Welfare Practice
Martha Hooper, Foster Parent Advocate, Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association
Additional appointments as the Governor deems necessary.

Each member of the Task Force shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

BE IT ORDERED, that the Task Force shall analyze ways to improve the delivery of services by DHR, including, but not limited to, the following:

Methods to strengthen the quality and consistency of screening of reports of child abuse.
Family assessments stemming from and adequacy of resources to respond to child abuse reports.
Training of child welfare workers including supervisors.
Early intervention and prevention services for children and families at risk of abuse.
Transparency of the child protection system.
Review of the child protection system focusing on whether the intervention provided is making a difference in the lives of children.
Review of foster care services as an integral part of the child protection system.
Methods to increase the utilization of local resources.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the Task Force shall examine and analyze the state laws, practices, policies, and procedures of DHR relating to the reporting and response to child abuse. The Task Force may hold public hearing and otherwise receive and review written comments from individuals and organizations.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the Task Force shall report to the Governor by January 15, 2016, and shall include in its report recommendations to improve the child protection system including any suggested changes in state laws and practices, policies, and procedures of DHR in the delivery of child protection services.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the Task Force shall meet at the call of the chair and shall adopt rules governing the manner of conducting its business. The Task Force and any committee of the Task Force may meet by teleconference. All Task Force members shall serve without compensation.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that this Executive Order shall become effective immediately upon signing and shall remain in force until such time it is modified or rescinded by the Governor.

DONE AND ORDERED this 14th day of August, 2015.

Robert Bentley
Governor

ATTEST:

John H. Merrill
Secretary of State