Section 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 by 2022 , No. 129, § 1, eff. 7/1/2022.