(a) As used in this section and § 9-28-1203:
(1) “Proven effective community-based alternatives” means interventions, supports, programs, and practices that are recognized as best practices based on rigorous evaluation and research, or are based on a clear and well-articulated theory or conceptual framework for delinquency prevention. These include, without limitation, community-based services that are currently provided or have been provided and have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the number of secure out-of-home placements and institutional placement of youthful offenders; and
(2) “Secure out-of-home placement” means placement in a public or private residential facility that includes construction fixtures designed to physically restrict the movements and activities of individuals held in lawful custody and used for the placement and disposition of a juvenile adjudicated to be delinquent.
(b) The Youth Justice Reform Board shall:
(1) Assist the Division of Youth Services in determining the method for calculating savings realized from reduced state commitments and in educating the public about the plan developed to reduce reliance on secure out-of-home placements; and
(2) Make annual reports to the division, the Governor, and the General Assembly regarding system reform and improvements needed to implement the goals and purposes of this subchapter.
(c) To provide needed expertise, the board may seek outside technical assistance to aid its work.