Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families

Child Wellbeing Advisory Committee (CWAC)

Purpose:

The Child Wellbeing Advisory Committee (CWAC) serves as the primary advisory body to the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) for setting yearly priorities and a 5-year strategic plan.

Background:

DCYF currently has various affinity-based groups that provide valuable input on policy. These groups include:

  • Birth Parents
  • Resource Families
  • Kinship Families
  • Youth Advisory Board (SPEAK)

These groups have distinct charters and operate independently, with varying purposes and degrees of DCYF involvement.

Desired Outcome:

The goal is to establish a comprehensive advisory committee structure that empowers the voices of those served by DCYF, placing them in positions to inform agency policy and direction.

CWAC Structure:

The CWAC will advise the DCYF Director on strategies to align DCYF's 2024 priorities and 5-year strategic plan, and to achieve the goals outlined in each. CWAC will meet quarterly to:

  • Provide guidance on DCYF's priorities and strategic plan.
  • Offer input on policy development and implementation.
  • Ensure that the voices of those served are represented in decision-making processes.
  • Foster collaboration and communication among all partners.

By establishing a unified advisory committee structure, DCYF can better leverage the expertise and perspectives of those served, ultimately leading to more effective and responsive programs and services.

Subcommittee Structure: 

Subcommittees bring together diverse perspectives and voices, ensuring that the individuals being served remain a majority presence in the decision-making process. Each subcommittee will include representatives from various formal and informal community partners, families, youth, and members of DCYF affinity groups. 

These representatives will be volunteers from their respective groups, who are willing serve as the official voices for their group and be responsible for:

  • Bringing information back to their respective groups.
  • Soliciting input and feedback from group members to provide to the subcommittee.
  • Collaborating with representatives from other subcommittees to align feedback and input.

Each subcommittee will have a lead facilitator who will:

  • Set agenda topics.
  • Keep the subcommittee focused on their specific topic area.
  • Ensure that the subcommittee stays on track and meets its objectives.

Subcommittees will meet monthly to:

  • Discuss and provide input on specific topics and issues.
  • Review and provide feedback on policy and program developments.
  • Identify areas for improvement and suggest solutions.

By establishing this structure, DCYF can ensure that the voices of those served are heard and considered in the decision-making process, leading to more effective and responsive programs and services.

To learn more about CWAC Contact:

Melissa Aguiar Rivard, LMHC
DCYF Chief of Strategic Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation
Melissa.aguiarrivard@dcyf.ri.gov