N.Y. Executive Law § 523-l: Independent review board

§ 523-l. Independent review board. The independent review board shall

consist of fifteen members who are not employed by the office and who

are knowledgeable in the areas of juvenile justice and youth rights. The

members of such board shall be appointed by the commissioner. Each board

member shall be appointed for a term of three years, which term may be

renewed once. At least one member shall be a former resident or parent

of a resident; at least one member shall be a psychologist or other

clinician; at least one member shall be an individual knowledgeable of

juvenile legal rights matters; at least one member shall be a judge of

the family court; and at least one member shall be knowledgeable of the

criminal justice system. Members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses

incurred in the conduct of their duties. The board shall review the

office of the ombudsman reports and meet at least bimonthly with the

ombudsmen, the director, the commissioner and other appropriate

personnel to discuss the reports. The board is an advisory body and has

no administrative duties. It shall advise the commissioner on matters

pertaining to the office of the ombudsman and on matters related to

complaint and grievance resolution. The board shall have the authority

to:

1. request the office of the ombudsman and/or the commissioner to

conduct investigations;

2. make inquiries at the request of the director or the commissioner,

or, on its own motion, into matters affecting the legal rights of youth

residing in facilities operated by the office;

3. convene meetings and communicate freely with the ombudsmen and the

office of the ombudsman;

4. evaluate the effectiveness of the office of the ombudsman and make

necessary inquiries to that end; and

5. visit office facilities and grounds and inspect records of the

office pertaining to such facilities. Laws and regulations governing the

confidentiality of records must be adhered to, and the general counsel

for the office should be notified concerning the records to be

inspected. During any such visit to facilities or inspection of records,

the board members may speak with youth and facility staff.