NRS432B.604. Local advisory boards to expedite proceedings for placement of children: Creation; members; terms; vacancies; members serve without compensation; duties.

      1.  The district court in each judicial district that includes a county whose population is less than 100,000 shall create a local advisory board to expedite proceedings for the placement of children. The district court shall appoint to the local advisory board:

      (a) One member who is representative of foster parents;

      (b) One member who is representative of attorneys in public or private practice;

      (c) One member who is employed by the Division of Child and Family Services;

      (d) One member who is either employed by the public school system and works with children on a regular basis, or works in the field of mental health and works with children on a regular basis; and

      (e) One member who is a resident of the judicial district in which the local advisory board is created.

      2.  The district court shall provide for initial terms of each member of the local advisory board so that the terms are staggered. After the initial terms, the members of the local advisory board shall serve terms of 4 years. Any member of the local advisory board may be reappointed. If a vacancy occurs during the term of a member, the district court shall appoint a person similarly qualified to replace that member for the remainder of the unexpired term. The district court may remove a member from the local advisory board if the member neglects his or her duty or commits malfeasance in office.

      3.  The district court shall appoint two members of the local advisory board to serve on the Rural Advisory Board created pursuant to NRS 432B.602.

      4.  Members of a local advisory board serve without compensation, and necessary travel and per diem expenses may not be reimbursed.

      5.  The Division of Child and Family Services shall provide each local advisory board with administrative support and shall provide any information requested by a local advisory board to the local advisory board within 10 working days after receiving the request for information.

      6.  Each local advisory board shall:

      (a) At its first meeting and annually thereafter, elect a chair from among its members.

      (b) Review each case referred to it pursuant to NRS 432B.606, and provide the referring court and the Office of the Attorney General with any recommendations to expedite the completion of the case.

      (c) Twice each year, provide a report of its activities and any recommendations to expedite the completion of cases to the district court, the Division of Child and Family Services and the Legislature, or the Legislative Commission when the Legislature is not in regular session.

      7.  A local advisory board may review other cases as deemed appropriate by the district court.

      (Added to NRS by 1999, 2030)