(a) The Director shall appoint the chairperson and members of a “State-wide Citizen’s Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect” to consult with and advise the Director. The Committee shall be composed of individuals of distinction in human services, neonatal medical care, needs and rights of persons with disabilities, law and community life, broadly representative of social and economic communities across the State, who shall be appointed to 3 year staggered terms. The chairperson and members of the Committee shall serve without compensation, although their travel and per diem expenses shall be reimbursed in accordance with standard State procedures. Under procedures adopted by the Committee, it may meet at any time, confer with any individuals, groups, and agencies; and may issue reports or recommendations on any aspect of child abuse or neglect it deems appropriate.
     (b) The Committee shall advise the Director on setting priorities for the administration of child abuse prevention, shelters and service programs, as specified in Section 4a of “An Act creating the Department of Children and Family Services, codifying its powers and duties, and repealing certain Acts and Sections herein named”, approved June 4, 1963, as amended.
     (c) The Committee shall advise the Director on policies and procedures with respect to the medical neglect of newborns and infants.