(A) The State Child Advocate is responsible for ensuring that children receive adequate protection and care from services or programs offered by the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, the John de la Howe School, the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, and the School for the Deaf and the Blind.

(B) The State Child Advocate must not have been the director or deputy director of a state agency for a period of four years preceding his appointment. This subsection does not apply to deputy directors employed by the Department of Children’s Advocacy.

(C) The State Child Advocate must be selected without regard to political affiliation and on the basis of integrity and a capability for strong leadership and must possess the following minimum qualifications:

(1) a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; and

(2) at least ten years of experience in family or children’s law, children’s social work, or children’s health and welfare.