Vermont § 3204 - Child, Youth, and Family Advocate

§ 3204. Child, Youth, and Family Advocate

• (a) The Office shall be directed by the Child, Youth, and Family Advocate, an individual
  who shall be qualified by reason of education, expertise, and experience and who may
  have a professional degree in law, social work, public health, or a related field.
  The Child, Youth, and Family Advocate shall serve on a full-time basis and shall be
  exempt from classified service. (b)(1) The Oversight Commission on Children, Youths, and Families established pursuant to
  section 3211 of this chapter shall recommend qualified applicants for the position
  of the Child, Youth, and Family Advocate to the Governor for consideration. Subject
  to confirmation by the Senate, the Governor shall appoint an Advocate within 45 days
  from among those applicants recommended by the Oversight Commission for a term of
  four years. The appointment for Advocate shall be made without regard to political
  affiliation and on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability. The Advocate shall
  hold office until reappointed or until a successor is appointed. (2) The Governor, upon a majority vote of the Oversight Commission, may remove the Child,
  Youth, and Family Advocate for cause, which includes only neglect of duty, gross misconduct,
  conviction of a crime, or inability to perform the responsibilities of the Office.
  The Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore shall simultaneously receive notification
  from the Governor of the Advocate’s removal. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointment
  process set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection for the remainder of the unexpired
  term. (c) The Child, Youth, and Family Advocate shall appoint a Deputy Child, Youth, and Family
  Advocate, whose duties shall be performed at the direction of the Advocate. (d) Upon any vacancy in the position of the Advocate, and until such time as a replacement
  is appointed and confirmed, the Deputy Child, Youth, and Family Advocate shall serve
  as the acting Child, Youth, and Family Advocate. The acting Child, Youth, and Family
  Advocate shall have the full responsibilities of the Advocate and shall be entitled
  to the same compensation as the outgoing Child, Youth, and Family Advocate. (Added 2021, No. 129 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2022.)