1.  Office established; purposes.  The Office of the Child Advocate is established as an independent agency to provide independent oversight of state agencies and promote the best interests of children and ensure that children receive timely, safe and effective services in accordance with state and federal law. The office, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, shall operate with full independence from any state official or state agency. The office is established within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services for administrative purposes only.  

2.  Fund.  A fund is established within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services to support the operation of the office. Any unexpended balance remaining in the fund at the end of the fiscal year does not lapse and must be carried forward to the next fiscal year.