About

Our mission is to build a system of care where every child grows up in a safe and loving family environment that supports the development of strong, resilient families throughout the state of Rhode Island.  

We are responsible for supporting children and their families involved in child protection, behavioral health, and juvenile justice.

Keeping children and youth safe and healthy at home, at school and in the community, requires a family-focused and community inclusive approach.

The Department of Children, Youth and Families is the state child welfare, children's mental health and juvenile corrections services agency which promotes safety, permanence, and well-being of children through partnerships with family, community, and government.

The Department also plans and implements support programs and service delivery systems which will achieve the goals of developing the full potential of children in care. The Department is the agency which services families with children who have been or are at risk of being abused, neglected, wayward, or delinquent.