On and after July 1, 1997:

(a) The commissioner of juvenile justice may establish, maintain and improve throughout the state, within the limits of funds appropriated therefor and any grants or funds received from federal agencies and other sources, regional youth care, evaluation and rehabilitation facilities, not to exceed 10 in number, for the purpose of: (1) Providing local authorities with facilities for the detention and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, including, but not limited to juvenile offenders who are 16 and 17 years of age; (2) providing local authorities with facilities for the temporary shelter and detention of juveniles pending any examination or study to be made of the juveniles or prior to the disposition of such juveniles pursuant to the revised Kansas code for care of children or the revised Kansas juvenile justice code; and (3) providing short-term treatment and rehabilitation service for juveniles.

(b) Each such facility shall be staffed by a superintendent and such other officers and employees considered necessary by the commissioner for the proper management and operation of the center. The commissioner shall appoint the superintendent of each regional facility and fix the superintendent’s compensation with the approval of the governor. Each superintendent shall appoint all other officers and employees for such regional facility, subject to the approval of the commissioner.

(c) The commissioner may adopt rules and regulations relating to the operation and management of any regional youth care facility established pursuant to the provisions of Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-7025 through 75-7028, and amendments thereto.