(a) As used in this Code section, the term "apparel" includes eyeglasses, hearing aids, clothing, and similar items worn on the person of the employee.

(b) When action by a youth under the control and custody of the department results in damage to an item of apparel, the department shall compensate the employee for the loss in the amount of either the repair cost, the replacement value, or the actual cost of the item of wearing apparel, whichever is less. Such loss shall be compensated only in accordance with procedures to be established by the department, and no compensation shall be made by the department in excess of $500.00 per incident.