(a) The Department shall be responsible for the coordination of welfare and correctional programs in this State and, to this end, may call conferences of representatives of public and private agencies responsible for such programs and individuals and organized groups interested in and concerned with matters of welfare. Such activities shall be carried on in the interest of more effectively understanding and making provision for the welfare needs in this State. Participation in such activities on the part of agencies and individuals shall be voluntary. The Department may sponsor and carry out studies of existing provisions for caring for welfare needs and studies of the need for changes in existing facilities.
(b) The Department shall issue periodic public reports on the extent, nature and cost of public and private welfare programs in this State and, to this end, may require the necessary periodic statistical data from public and private welfare, correction, probation and parole agencies and institutions giving resident care for tuberculous patients.