(a) The statewide planning and policy council shall advise the commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services as to plans and policies to be followed in the service systems and the operation of the department of mental health and substance abuse services programs and facilities, recommend to the general assembly legislation and appropriations for the programs and facilities, advocate for and publicize the recommendations, and publicize generally the situation and needs of persons with mental illness, or serious emotional disturbance and their families.

(b) The statewide planning and policy council shall especially attend to:

(1) Identification of common areas of concern to be addressed by the service areas;

(2) The needs of service recipients who are children or elderly and of service recipients with combinations of mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, or alcohol or drug abuse or dependence;

(3) Evaluation of needs assessment, service, and budget proposals;

(4) Reconciliation of policy issues among the service areas; and

(5) Annual review of the adequacy of this title to support the service systems.

(c) The statewide planning and policy council, in conjunction with the commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services, shall report annually to the governor on the service systems, including programs, services, supports, and facilities of the department of mental health and substance abuse services, and may furnish copies of the reports to the general assembly with recommendations for legislation. The statewide planning and policy council may make other reports to the governor and to the general assembly as the council deems necessary. The commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services shall make the reports available to the public, including on the Internet and by other appropriate methods.