41-5-525. Youth placement committees -- composition. (1) In each judicial district, the department shall establish a youth placement committee for the purposes of:
     (a) recommending an appropriate placement of a youth referred to the department under 41-5-403; or
     (b) recommending available community services or alternative placements whenever a change is required in the placement of a youth who is currently in the custody of the department under 41-5-523. However, the committee may not substitute its judgment for that of the superintendent of a state youth correctional facility regarding the discharge of a youth from the facility.
     (2) The committee consists of not less than five members and must include persons who are knowledgeable about the youth, treatment and placement options, and other resources appropriate to address the needs of the youth. Members may include:
     (a) two representatives of the department;
     (b) a representative of the department of public health and human services;
     (c) either the chief probation officer or the youth's probation officer;
     (d) a mental health professional;
     (e) a representative of a school district located within the boundaries of the judicial district;
     (f) if an Indian child or children are involved, someone, preferably an Indian person, knowledgeable about Indian culture and family matters;
     (g) a parent or guardian; and
     (h) a youth services provider.
     (3) Committee members serve without compensation.
     (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of 41-5-527, the committee may be convened by the department or the probation officer of the youth court.

     History: En. Sec. 15, Ch. 609, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 67, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 403, L. 1995.