(a) The department may contract with private entities to provide for the participation of children who are deaf or hard of hearing at outdoor recreational programs operated for the purpose of providing skill training and recreational experiences for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Outdoor training programs under this section may also provide for participation by the parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
(b) In selecting children to attend programs under this section, the department shall select qualified children from across the state that will benefit from the program.
(c) The department may request criminal history record information on any person who applies for a staff position in an outdoor training program from the Department of Public Safety in accordance with Section 411.1131, Government Code.