Proceedings by department.

(1) Whenever it becomes necessary for the welfare and convenience of any of the institutions now under the supervision and control of the Department of Children and Families, or which may hereafter be placed under the supervision and control of said department, to acquire private property for the use of any of said institutions, and the same cannot be acquired by agreement satisfactory to the said department and the parties interested in, or the owners of said private property, the department is hereby empowered and authorized to exercise the right of eminent domain, and to proceed to condemn the said property in the same manner as provided by law for the condemnation of property.

(2) Any suit or actions brought by the said department to condemn property as provided in this section shall be brought in the name of the Department of Children and Families, and it shall be the duty of the Department of Legal Affairs to conduct the proceedings for, and to act as counsel for the said Department of Children and Families.