(a) If a child is present at a review board meeting, one board member and one staff member may meet privately with the child if it is determined that this would facilitate the child's ability to communicate and participate in the review board meeting.

(b) A review board may agree to hear any person who formally requests to be heard at the child's case review, as long as the person has some connection with or knowledge of the child or family situation.

(c) Other persons directly concerned with the foster care review board system or with a legitimate interest in the system may be permitted to attend a review meeting unless an interested party in attendance objects.

(d) Pursuant to applicable statutes, including but not limited to A.R.S. § 8-807 and § 8-815.03(2), review board meetings contain confidential information and must not be recorded via audio or visual means. The general public may be excluded from review board meetings and only such persons admitted as have a direct interest in the review. The review board, acting through the Chairperson, may excuse any party from any hearing.

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions outlined in this rule, the Administrative Director, review board coordinator, and review board staff are authorized to attend all review board meetings.