Alabama Administrative Code Title 185 - ALABAMA CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PREVENTION BOARD
Alabama Administrative Code, Title 185, governs the Alabama Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, often referred to in practice as the Children's Trust Fund (CTF) of Alabama. This Board and its associated Department are the state's dedicated agency for preventing child abuse and neglect.
The regulations in Title 185 outline the Board's structure, powers, duties, and the procedures for how it carries out its mission. The core purpose, as stated in the administrative code, is to prevent child abuse and neglect throughout the State of Alabama.
Here's a breakdown of the typical chapters and key areas covered within Title 185:
Chapter 185-X-1 - ORGANIZATION:
Name and Authority: Establishes the official name of the Board and the statutory authority under which it operates (Alabama Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Act, Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 26-16-1, et seq.).
Purpose of the Board: Clearly states the Board's mission to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Composition of the Board: Details the members of the Board, their qualifications, and how they are appointed.
Officers of the Board: Defines the roles and duties of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and other officers.
Meetings of the Board: Specifies requirements for conducting meetings, including frequency and procedures.
Powers and Duties of the Board: This is a crucial section, outlining the Board's responsibilities, which include:
Adopting and revising rules and regulations.
Developing and adopting a plan for the distribution of funds from the Children's Trust Fund.
Developing and publicizing criteria for applying for and receiving trust fund money.
Reviewing, approving, and monitoring the expenditure of trust fund money.
Coordinating and exchanging information on local councils and prevention programs.
Providing statewide education and public awareness seminars on child abuse and neglect.
Encouraging professionals to recognize and deal with child abuse and neglect.
Encouraging the development of community prevention programs.
Establishing procedures for annual internal evaluation.
Accepting federal funds, state funds, gifts, and grants.
Committees and Personnel: Rules regarding the establishment of committees and the management of staff, including setting the executive director's salary.
Chapter 185-X-2 - DEFINITIONS: Provides clear definitions for terms used throughout the administrative code, ensuring consistent understanding and application of the rules.
Chapter 185-X-3 - MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST FUND: This chapter details the specific rules for how the Children's Trust Fund is managed, including investment policies and financial oversight. The Children's Trust Fund is a key funding mechanism for prevention programs.
Chapter 185-X-4 - DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS: Outlines the detailed procedures, criteria, and processes for the disbursement of funds from the Children's Trust Fund to eligible local councils and prevention programs. This typically includes:
Application requirements for grants.
Evaluation and approval processes for grant proposals.
Monitoring and reporting requirements for grant recipients.
Emphasis on funding evidence-based community programs.
Chapter 185-X-5 - AMENDMENT OF RULES: Specifies the process for how the administrative rules themselves can be amended or revised.
Chapter 185-X-6 - DECLARATORY RULINGS: Outlines the procedures for individuals or entities to request a declaratory ruling from the Board on the applicability of a rule or statute.
Chapter 185-X-7 - HEARINGS AND APPEALS: Establishes the procedures for hearings and appeals related to decisions made by the Board, particularly concerning grant applications or compliance issues.
Overall Role and Impact:
The Alabama Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (Children's Trust Fund) is unique in its dedicated focus on primary prevention – working to stop child abuse and neglect before it occurs. This is distinct from child protective services, which typically intervenes after abuse or neglect has been reported.
Through the administrative code, the Board:
Secures and distributes resources (from the Children's Trust Fund and other sources) to community-based programs.
Funds evidence-based programs that strengthen families and promote child well-being.
Advocates for children and the importance of prevention.
Provides education and public awareness campaigns.
Encourages collaboration among various stakeholders to create a comprehensive prevention network.
You can find the full text of Alabama Administrative Code, Title 185, on the official Alabama Legislative Services Agency website (admincode.legislature.state.al.us), or through legal information platforms like Justia Regulations.
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