The child advocate shall have the following rights and powers:

(1)  To communicate privately, by mail or orally, with any child in treatment, or under protective services;

(2)  To have access, including the right to inspect, copy and/or subpoena records held by the clerk of the family court, law enforcement, agencies, and institutions, public or private, and other agencies, or persons with whom a particular child has been either voluntarily or otherwise placed for care, or has received treatment within or without the state;

(3)  To take whatever steps are appropriate to see that persons are made aware of the services of the child advocate’s office, its purpose, and how it can be contacted;

(4)  To apply for and accept grants, gifts and bequests of funds from other states, federal and interstate agencies and independent authorities, and private firms, individuals and foundations, for the purpose of carrying out his or her lawful responsibilities. The funds shall be deposited with the general treasurer in a restricted receipt account established within the office to permit funds to be expended in accordance with the provisions of the grant or bequest; and

(5)  To exercise the powers conferred upon a trustee pursuant to the provisions of § 18-4-2 and to be exempt from the provisions of chapter 15 of Title 33.