WHEREAS, fostering the success of state, local and non-profit programs benefiting children and families is a top priority of the State of Idaho; 

        WHEREAS, many of these programs may have similar or identical missions; 

        WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the children and families of the State of Idaho to coordinate these programs, while also ensuring that local control is retained; 

        WHEREAS, greater coordination will allow for an accurate inventory of existing programs along with an increased understanding of the services available for families and children; and 

        WHEREAS, access to accurate information will allow the Governor and the Legislature to have the best information when prioritizing among different programs. 

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Governor of the State of Idaho, by the authority vested in me under the Idaho Constitution and the laws of this State, do hereby order that: 

1. There is created within the Office of the Governor the "Governor's Coordinating Council for Families and Children." 

2. The Coordinating Council shall be responsible for: 

a. Compiling an inventory of all resumes and programs run by state, local and non-profit organization for the benefit of families and children; 
b. Serving as a clearinghouse of this information for local communities; and 
c. Developing a plan to achieve mutually defined goals. 

3. The members shall be appointed for a two-year term by the Governor and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. 

4. The objectives for the Coordinating Council shall be as follows: 

a. Maintain a comprehensive inventory of resources and programs serving families and children in Idaho. 
b. Facilitate communication among individuals and organizations providing services to families and children. 
c. Work with organizations/agencies/individuals to identify gaps in service to families and children. 
d. Work with agencies/organization/individuals to develop consistent, accurate, and timely collection and reporting of data to provide comprehensive statistical measurements on Idaho's families and children. 
e. Develop strong state and local partnerships to foster and support results-based community programs. 
f. Create a statewide awareness of the importance of healthy families and children. 

5. The coordinating council shall meet and take such actions as are necessary to fulfill the purposes of this Executive Order.  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this twenty fifth day of April in the year of our Lord two-thousand and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred twenty-fourth and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred-tenth.

PETE T. CENARRUSA
SECRETARY OF STATE