§ 6-609

(a) The Commission shall:

(1) conduct a thorough examination of the extent and implications of the absence of responsible fathers from families;

(2) strongly advocate to ensure the development of a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the social, educational, economic, health, and legal problems of responsible fatherhood;

(3) promote interdepartmental and public and private policy and program collaboration and coordination;

(4) collect data and perform analyses on efforts to increase responsible fatherhood;

(5) promote the development of statewide policies to address the issues preventing fathers from participating in raising their children;

(6) monitor statewide progress towards reducing the number of noncustodial fathers;

(7) promote and encourage wide community input, communication, and education regarding responsible fatherhood; and

(8) advise local public and private agencies seeking to mobilize local efforts to promote responsible fatherhood.

(b) To carry out its duties under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the Commission shall:

(1) hold hearings at which persons, organizations, and agencies with an interest in responsible fatherhood may present their views;

(2) conduct meetings, discussions, and examinations as necessary to gather information on the laws and services relating to responsible fatherhood in this and other states;

(3) identify and examine the limitations and problems associated with existing laws, programs, and services relating to responsible fatherhood; and

(4) examine the financing and delivery of services relating to responsible fatherhood.

(c) (1) In cooperation with appropriate State and local units and in accordance with State and federal law, the Commission shall foster plans to enhance the coordination of federal– and State–funded programs and services regarding responsible fatherhood.

(2) The Commission shall develop a coordinated comprehensive statewide plan, including estimates of necessary public and private funding, for:

(i) increasing the participation of fathers in raising their children; and

(ii) improving services to noncustodial fathers.

(3) In accordance with the statewide plan, the Commission shall recommend to the Governor distribution of community incentive grants concerning responsible fatherhood from funds provided in the State budget for this purpose or from grants or private donations, giving priority to innovative projects that:

(i) promote the establishment of a coordinated network of services for noncustodial fathers; and

(ii) demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project by making available nonstate funds, personnel, and facilities.