Section 428.20  Definitions

"Advisory group", as used in this Part, means a council, commission, committee or task force created by statute, executive order, or administrative action of the Director of the Department that, among its functions, provides advice and counsel to the Department regarding its programs and services or monitors Department operations.  Such advisory groups may be composed entirely or partially of persons other than Department personnel.

"Confidential intermediary" means a person who, by order of an Illinois court, is given access to various adoption related records and other confidential information not generally available to the public in order to identify and locate birth relatives of the petitioner.  If the sought after relative is located, the confidential intermediary facilitates the mutually desired communication or contact as provided by statute while maintaining the confidentiality of all parties.

"Conflict of interest", as used in this Part, means an individual uses his or her official position for private gain (other than salary), gives preferential treatment to any entity or person in the conduct of official duties because of personal interest, impedes or adversely affects governmental efficiency or economy because of personal interest, fails to act impartially in the conduct of official duties because of personal interest, or engages in conduct that could adversely affect the confidence of the public in the integrity of the Department of Children and Family Services.  The term also means that the circumstances are such that a reasonable person might conclude that an individual's judgement could be influenced by the nature of the circumstances or the individuals involved.  Conflicts of interest may be actual or potential.

"Direct financial interest" means any type of monetary gain from a Department-funded program, such as that acquired by salaried staff of Department-funded agencies, or Department staff.

"Geographic regions" means those groupings of counties designated by the Director for administration of Department programs.

(Source:  Amended at 28 Ill. Reg. 15464, effective November 30, 2004)