The Rhode Island Training School

Juvenile Correctional Services Program Mission

The Division of Juvenile Corrections consists of the Rhode Island Training School and the Office of Juvenile Probation. The Division of Juvenile Corrections promotes the rehabilitation of youth through a continuum of flexible, innovative, and effective programs for male and female youth. The Division of Juvenile Corrections strives to promote positive outcomes for youth and to reduce recidivism for youth within the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

The Rhode Island Training School (RITS) is a secure correctional program for male and female youth who are detained and /or sentenced to the facility by order of the Rhode Island Family Court. The RITS provides for the rehabilitation of youth through a comprehensive continuum of services provided in partnership with families, the community and the Department. Supervision, security, education, behavioral health, health and transition services are provided to all youth incarcerated at the RITS in an individualized, culturally and gender sensitive manner.

All youth incarcerated at the RITS receive educational services in accordance with their academic level and/or specific individual education plan. The RITS educational program is approved as an alternative educational program and adheres to Rhode Island Department of Education regulations. Goals and objectives consistent with this mission are developed annually to measure effectiveness of programming for residents.

The Office of Juvenile Probation

The office of Juvenile Probation provides supervision in the community for youth who have been adjudicated wayward or delinquent by the Rhode Island Family Court and are sentenced to a term of probation, or who are sentenced to the Rhode Island Training School (RITS), but can serve their sentence in a residential treatment program (temporary community placement).

Adherence to court ordered conditions of probation is monitored. Probation Officers assist in coordinating needed services. They provide ongoing support to youth and families with the goal of maintaining youth safely in the community and reducing recidivism.

While the primary goals of Juvenile Correctional Services are to reduce the instances of youth who re-offend and maintain community safety, the office of Juvenile Probation seeks to promote positive youth outcomes such as educational attainment, meaningful employment, and stable housing.