News and Updates

Public Notices

News

The Rhode Island Training School (RITS) Works to Restore Indigent Cemetery and Build Educational Curriculum for Youth April 25, 2024

[Providence, R.I] (April 25, 2024) - On Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rhode Island Training School (RITS) staff and volunteers will head outside to the State Farm Cemetery Annex grounds, located on the RITS property, to start the next phase of the Indigent Cemetery Project.

Press Release Thursday, April 25, 2024

Media Availability: Important Information and Resources About Safety and Prevention April 15, 2024 

[Providence, R.I.] (April 12, 2024) – In light of a recent increase in child fatalities and near fatalities, state leaders will hold a media availability on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss preventative services and supports available to the community to ensure the safety of all children. 

Media Availability Monday, April 15, 2024

Mensaje de Información y Recursos Importantes Sobre Seguridad y Prevención de Niños

[Providence, R.I.] (16 de abril de 2024) – Considerando un aumento reciente en las muertes y casi muertes infantiles, el lunes 15 de abril, los líderes estatales discutieron los servicios preventivos y los apoyos disponibles para la comunidad para garantizar la seguridad de todos los niños. Lea el comunicado de prensa adjunto para obtener detalles y recursos disponibles.

Comunicado de prensa con información

Rhode Island DCYF, Parent Support Network of RI, and Prevent Child Abuse RI Kickoff Observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April

[Providence, R.I.] (April 4, 2024) – April is Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, and the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), the Parent Support Network of RI (PSNRI) and Prevent Child Abuse RI stand in solidarity with child abuse prevention efforts. Join us as we observe Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention efforts in Rhode Island. 

Child Abuse Prevention Month Awareness

DCYF Director Ashley Deckert Announces Launch of Listening and Learning Tour

Providence, R.I. (October 4, 2023) – Director Ashley Deckert from the RI Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) is announcing the launch of a Listening and Learning Tour starting in October 2023. The current timeline for the tour anticipates a 15-18 month roll out approach which will include five phases and ultimately inform the development of a five-year strategic plan for DCYF.   

DCYF Announces Launch of Listening and Learning Tour

RI Department of Children, Youth & Families' Birth Parent Advisory Board to Host Family Reunification Event on June 24, 2023

Providence, R.I. (June 19, 2023) – June is Family Reunification Month and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of families working to stay together, Governor Dan McKee has issued a proclamation recognizing June as Family Reunification Month in Rhode Island. To celebrate this important month, the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families’ (DCYF) Birth Parent Advisory Board is planning the first annual Reunification Month event on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Family Reunification Month Celebration Set for June 24 in Rhode Island

Governor McKee, RI DCYF and St. Mary’s Home for Children Announce Agreement for an Expanded Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility

Providence, R.I. (February 9, 2023) – Governor Dan McKee today announced that the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) and St. Mary’s Home for Children have entered into an agreement for an expanded Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) in North Providence. This agreement is the result of careful and thoughtful negotiations over the last few months to determine the best approach to address the children’s mental health crisis in the state. The expansion of the St. Mary’s campus will consist of the construction and operation of a 12-bed PRTF facility for female adolescent youth.

Governor McKee Announces DCYF and St. Mary's Agreement for Expanded PRTF

RI DCYF Among Pilot Sites Selected by National Quality Improvement Center for Youth Engagement to Work on Child Welfare System Reforms

Providence, R.I. (December 2, 2022) – The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) announced today that it has been selected as one of eight pilot sites across the United States to partner with the national Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency (QIC-EY). Established in 2021, the new center is expected to bring about systemic changes in how child welfare professionals authentically engage children and youth, as reflected in intentional shifts in policy, practice and culture within the pilot sites.

RI DCYF Selected as One of Eight QIC-EY Pilot Sites in US

RI DCYF Receives Approval for Family First Prevention Services Plan

Providence, R.I. (October 17, 2022) – The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) today announced the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) has approved its five-year Family First Title IV-E Prevention Services Plan. This plan will allow the Department to build upon its focus and mission of strengthening the capabilities and expanding the capacity of parents and caregivers to effectively care for their children and safely reduce the need for foster care where possible, keeping children and youth safe and healthy at home. In addition, it will continue to drive forward the goal of eliminating disproportionality and disparity in our child welfare system and create equitable access to services and programming within DCYF ensuring culturally appropriate options are available.

DCYF Family First Prevention Services Plan Approval Announcement

Consolidated Appropriations Act – Chafee Funding

New federal legislation enacted on December 27, 2020[1] expands the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee Program).[2] The Chafee Program expansion increases funding for individuals, expands eligibility requirements, and waives certain criteria during the COVID-19 pandemic period through September 30, 2021.

Consolidated Appropriations Act

DCYF launches new Screening and Response Unit to better support Rhode Island families

The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) today announced the launch of a new Screening and Response Unit (SRU) at the Department, to help connect families and their children to support services. DCYF recognizes that many families are struggling right now and could benefit from accessing services and supports that were traditionally only available to families with official DCYF or Family Court involvement. The SRU will provide assistance by identifying each family’s needs and providing necessary supports to help families thrive.

DCYF launches new Screening and Response Unit to better support Rhode Island families

Information

DCYF Organizational Chart Restructured

In May 2020, the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) has implemented changes to their organizational structure. These improvements, which are aligned with ongoing internal reforms, will allow the Department more flexibility to promptly address the needs of Rhode Island’s children and families both now and in the future. The Department also hopes that this shift will offer a more streamlined approach for troubleshooting issues within the agency. Rollout is expected to improve communications, streamline functions, and ensure a robust process for feedback.

DCYF Organizational Chart (Updated May 2020)

Entry to Building Protocol: 101 Friendship Street, Providence

An additional card reader has been installed at the second set of glass doors that lead from the atrium to the lobby. There is already a card reader installed at the main door. This additional card reader will allow us better control over who enters the lobby – both from a security perspective and because of COVID-19. All visitors will need to use the buzzer for the front desk assistance

Tax Guidance for Foster Families

Below, please find tax guidance for foster families per the 2019 tax year:

2020 Tax Guidance for Foster Families

Foster Care Update

The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is committed to the goal that all children and youth should be cared for in a safe, supportive family setting. To support this goal, DCYF is focused on partnering with the community and its leaders and organizations who can "Be An Anchor" for children and families involved in Rhode Island’s child welfare system. Attached below please find the Statewide Plans for the Recruitment and Retention of Foster Families for 2021 and 2022.

2023-2024 Statewide Plan for the Recruitment and Retention of Foster Families 

2022-2023 Statewide Plan for the Recruitment and Retention of Foster Families

2021 Statewide Plan for the Recruitment and Retention of Foster Families

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Below, is joint guidance document for Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 DCYF developed with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and other educational partners. Also provided, is the transportation guidance document.

Ensuring Educational Stability for Chiildren in Foster Care (2019) Guidance for School of Origin Transportation for Children in Foster Care (2019)

FY 2019 Resource Family Recruitment Plan Reflection Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is committed to maintaining a robust array of family-based placements (kinship, foster and adoptive homes – collectively known as “Resource Families”) for children who are in state care. The state 2019 Resource Family Recruitment Retention Plan was developed and reviewed in consultation with the Rhode Island Office of the Child Advocate and many local and national foster care partner organizations.

FY 2019 RI DCYF Resource Family Recruitment Plan Reflection Summary

Plans of Safe Care

Beginning July 1, 2018, federal legislation (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, Public Law 114-198) now requires the development of a “Plan of Safe Care” (POSC) for all infants born affected by substance use, withdrawal symptoms, or a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Please review the POSC Guidance Document to learn more.

POSC Guidance

Also, please visit the RI Department of Health for additional information.

RI Department of Health

Health and Safety of Pupils Act

Recent changes to Health and Safety of Pupils Act (Rhode Island General Law §16-21-36), a law recently amended by the General Assembly, now requires all public and private schools to post a notice about the statewide, toll-free hotline established and implemented by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) for the receipt of reports concerning the suspicion of child abuse and neglect or that a child has been a victim of sexual abuse by another child. The posters can be downloaded and printed in English and Spanish (below). The notice must be posted in a conspicuous, high-traffic area accessed and widely used by the students in each school.

Abuse Hotline Poster Abuse Hotline Poster (Spanish)

Foster Care Redesign 2020 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

2020 Foster Care Redesign Overview
2020 Foster Care Redesign Overview - Spanish
2020 Foster Care Redesign Glossary of Terms
2020 Foster Care Redesign Glossary of Terms - Spanish
FAQ: Level of Need (LON)
FAQ: Level of Need (LON) - Spanish
FAQ: Services and Supports
FAQ: Services and Supports - Spanish
FAQ: Rates
FAQ: Rates - Spanish
FAQ: Payroll
FAQ: Payroll - Spanish
FAQ: Placement
FAQ: Placement - Spanish

Notices

• April 26, 2024: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a child. 
• April 17, 2024: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a child. 
• April 15, 2024: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a youth.
• April 12, 2024: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a child. 
• April 8, 2024: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a youth.
• April 5, 2024: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a child. 
• March 31, 2024: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a child. 
• March 6, 2024: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a child.
• February 2, 2024: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a youth.
• January 18, 2024: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a youth. 
• November 8, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a child. 
• October 22, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a youth.
• October 19, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a youth. 
• October 18, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a child. 
• October 11, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a youth. 
• October 7, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a youth.
• September 21, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a child.
• August 2, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a child. 
• July 31, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a child. 
• July 17, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a youth. 
• June 30, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatalities of two children. 
• June 27, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a child. 
• June 23, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a child.
• June 16, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a child. 
• June 3, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of an infant. 
• May 19, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the fatality of a child. 
• May 12, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a youth. 
• May 5, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of an infant.
• April 27, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a child. 
• April 27, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure notice about the near fatality of a youth. 
• April 12, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure about the fatality of a youth. 
• March 10, 2023: The Department is issuing a public disclosure about the recent fatality of a child.
• October 7, 2022: The Department is issuing a public disclosure about the recent near fatality of a child. 
• September 26, 2022: The Department is issuing a public notice about the recent fatality of a child. 
• June 10, 2022: The Department is issuing a public notice about the recent near fatality of a child.
• May 5, 2022: The Department is issuing a public notice about the recent fatality of a child. 
• March 24, 2022: The Department is issuing a public notice about the recent fatality of a child.
• February 25, 2022: The Department is issuing a public notice about the near fatality of a child. 
• February 11, 2022: The Department is issuing a public notice about the recent fatality of a child.
• December 31, 2021: The DCYF is issuing a public notice about the near fatality of a child.
• November 9, 2021: The DCYF is issuing a public notice about the near fatality of a child.
• September 22, 2021: DCYF is issuing a public notice about the near fatality of a child.
• August 19, 2021: DCYF is issuing a public notice about the near fatality of a child.
• August 13, 2021: DCYF is issuing a public notice about the near fatality of a child.
• July 30, 2021: DCYF is issuing a public notice about the near fatality of a child.
• June 11, 2021: DCYF is issuing a public notice about the near fatality of a child.
• March 26, 2021: DCYF is issuing a public notice about the near fatality of a child (Corrected)
• March 5, 2021: DCYF is issuing a public notice about the recent fatality of a child
• November 9, 2020: DCYF is issuing public notice about the recent near fatality of a child.
• November 6, 2020: DCYF is issuing public notice about the recent near fatality of a child.
• June 19, 2020: DCYF is issuing public notice about the recent near fatality of a child.
• May 22, 2020: DCYF is issuing public notice about the recent near fatality of a child.
• January 27, 2020: DCYF is issuing public notice about the recent fatality of a child