ADA/Civil Rights Compliance

Under the law, DCYF may not discriminate based on a person's disability, race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religious or political belief, ancestry, familial or marital status, genetic information, association, or previous assertion of a claim or right. 

The rights of people served by DCYF are protected by the Rhode Island Commission of Human Rights, and several federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. 

Title II, Americans with Disabilities Act Reasonable Modification Requests 

DCYF is committed to making reasonable modifications to its policies, programs, services, and activities when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination based on disability, unless the modification fundamentally alters the nature of the policy, program, service, or activity, or causes an undue financial or administrative burden.

For more information, download the DCYF Public Notice of Nondiscrimination. You can also access this resource below. 

Effective Communication and Language Access 

DCYF is committed to ensuring that linguistic and cultural minority groups with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and individuals with disabilities that affect communication have equal access to the Department’s programs, services, and activities. Interpretation and translation services, and auxiliary aids and services are available AT NO COST to ensure the individual and the Department can communicate effectively. 

Any Department staff can assist you with arranging for interpreters, translators or auxiliary aids and services or you can contact the ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator. 

Civil Rights Complaints 

You have the right to file a complaint with the Department if you believe the Department has discriminated against you, or someone you know, based on disability, race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religious or political belief, ancestry, familial or marital status, genetic information, association, or previous assertion of a claim or right. 

ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator:

Mike Burk 

101 Friendship Street 

Providence, RI 02903 

dcyf.adacoordinator@dcyf.ri.gov 

401-228-6050

TTY: Rhode Island Relay 711