Mission and Vision

DCYF Mission Statement

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.  

DCYF Vision Statement

The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families leads excellence in service delivery by strengthening PREVENTION, ensuring ACCOUNTABILITY, and respecting the dignity and diversity of every individual and family. 

Through COLLABORATION, we effectively ENGAGE with families and communities, working together to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and youth we serve.

Guiding Principles

To fulfill our mission, we believe that:

1. Family, community, and government share responsibility for the safety, protection, and well-being of children, emphasizing prevention over intervention through an integrated continuum of care that reflects a partnership between all parties and is culturally relevant.

2. When a natural family cannot care for a child or youth, it is our responsibility to ensure timely placement in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.

3. Staff, families, resource caregivers, and service providers are partners in providing timely and appropriate high-quality care.

4. Partnership requires open, honest, and respectful communication fostering an awareness of the quality of services and clear and agreed-upon responsibilities.

5. Staff is held accountable to a professional code of conduct.

6. As an invaluable resource, staff is entitled to a safe, supportive work environment that fosters professional development.

7. Quality improvement is an ongoing process that utilizes external and internal performance standards.