It shall be the duty of the department, from time to time, to recommend and bring to the attention of the officers or other persons having the management of the institutions, prisons, almshouses, poorhouses, houses, places, associations, or societies, under its supervision as provided in section nine hereof, such standards and methods as may be helpful in the government and administration of such institution, prisons, almshouses, poorhouses, houses, places, associations, or societies, and for the betterment of the inmates therein.
71 P.S. § 1471