1-22-202. Commission created; powers; duties.

(a) There is hereby created within the department of family services, an adoption intermediary commission of five (5) members. Representation and appointment of the members shall be as follows:

(i) One (1) member shall represent the judicial branch and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the chief justice;

(ii) One (1) member shall represent the department of family services and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the director of the department;

(iii) One (1) member shall represent private adoption agencies and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the director of the department of family services;

(iv) One (1) member shall represent programs which provide confidential intermediary services and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the director of the department of family services;

(v) One (1) member shall be an adult adoptee, adoptive parent or biological parent appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the director of the department of family services.

(b) The commission shall have the responsibility for:

(i) Drafting a manual of standards for training confidential intermediaries;

(ii) Monitoring confidential intermediary training programs to ensure compliance with the standards set forth in the manual with authority to approve or deny such programs based upon compliance with such standards;

(iii) Maintaining an up-to-date list of persons who have completed training as confidential intermediaries and communicating that list to the judicial branch.

(c) The commission shall adopt rules for its own procedure. The commission shall select a chairman, a vice-chairman, and such other officers as it deems necessary, and shall keep a record of its proceedings. The commission shall meet as often as necessary to carry out its duties, but in no instance shall it meet less than semiannually. The commission may seek input from confidential intermediary organizations in carrying out its duties.

(d) The commission shall be voluntary and no state funds or personnel, except members of the commission appointed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall be used in its operation. The commission may accept gifts and grants and expend funds received to carry out its duties.