A. The Department shall provide a portion of any funding appropriated for this purpose to applicants seeking to establish and operate a local court-appointed special advocate program in their respective judicial districts. Only local programs operated in accordance with this article shall be eligible to receive state funds.
B. Local programs may be established and operated by local boards created for this purpose. Local boards shall ensure conformance to regulations adopted by the Board and may:
1. Solicit and accept financial support from public and private sources.
2. Oversee the financial and program management of the local court-appointed special advocate program.
3. Employ and supervise a director who shall serve as a professional liaison to personnel of the court and agencies serving children.
4. Employ such staff as is necessary to the operation of the program.