R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-28 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-28
§ 14-1-28. Transfer of cases from other courts.
Status: in_force

If, during the pendency of a criminal or quasi-criminal charge against any person in any other court it shall be ascertained that the person was under the age of eighteen (18) years at the time of committing the alleged offense, it shall be the duty of the court to immediately transfer the case, together with all the papers, documents, and records of testimony connected with the case, to the family court. The court making the transfer shall order the child to be taken immediately to the family court or to the place of detention designated by the family court, or release the child in the custody of some suitable person, to appear before the family court at a time designated by the family court. The family court shall upon the transfer proceed to hear and dispose of the case in the same manner as if it had been instituted in that court in the first instance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-6 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-6
§ 14-1-6. Retention of jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

(a) When the court shall have obtained jurisdiction over any child prior to the child having attained the age of eighteen (18) years by the filing of a petition alleging that the child is wayward or delinquent pursuant to § 14-1-5, the child shall, except as specifically provided in this chapter, continue under the jurisdiction of the court until he or she becomes nineteen (19) years of age, unless discharged prior to turning nineteen (19).

(b) When the court shall have obtained jurisdiction over any child prior to the childs eighteenth (18th) birthday by the filing of a miscellaneous petition or a petition alleging that the child is dependent, neglected, or abused pursuant to §§ 14-1-5 and 40-11-7 or 42-72-14, the child shall, except as specifically provided in this chapter, continue under the jurisdiction of the court until he or she becomes eighteen (18) years of age; provided, that at least six (6) months prior to a child turning eighteen (18) years of age, the court shall require the department of children, youth and families to provide a description of the transition services including the childs housing, health insurance, education and/or employment plan; available mentors and continuing support services, including workforce supports and employment services afforded the child in placement; or a detailed explanation as to the reason those services were not offered. As part of the transition planning, the child shall be informed by the department of the opportunity to voluntarily agree to extended care and placement by the department and legal supervision by the court until age twenty-one (21). The details of a childs transition plan shall be developed in consultation with the child, wherever possible, and approved by the court prior to the dismissal of an abuse, neglect, dependency, or miscellaneous petition before the childs twenty-first birthday.

(c) A child, who is in foster care on their eighteenth birthday due to the filing of a miscellaneous petition or a petition alleging that the child is dependent, neglected, or abused pursuant to § 14-1-5, § 40-11-7, or § 42-72-14, may voluntarily elect to continue responsibility for care and placement from DCYF and to remain under the legal supervision of the court as a young adult until age twenty-one (21), provided:

(1) The young adult was in the legal custody of the department at age eighteen (18); and

(2) The young adult is participating in at least one of the following:

(i) Completing the requirements to receive a high school diploma or GED;

(ii) Completing a secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential; enrolled in an institution that provides postsecondary or vocational education;

(iii) Participating in a job-training program or an activity designed to promote or remove barriers to employment;

(iv) Is employed for at least eighty (80) hours per month; or

(v) Is incapable of doing any of the foregoing due to a medical condition that is regularly updated and documented in the case plan.

(d) A former foster child who was adopted or placed in guardianship with an adoption assistance agreement or a guardianship assistance agreement that was executed on or after his or her sixteenth birthday and prior to his or her eighteenth birthday may voluntarily agree to extended care and placement by the department and legal supervision by the court until age twenty-one (21) if the young adult satisfies the requirements in subsection (c)(2). Provided, however, the department retains the right to review the request and first attempt to address the issues through the adoption assistance agreement by providing post adoptive or post guardianship support services to the young adult and his or her adoptive or guardianship family.

(e) Upon the request of the young adult, who voluntarily agreed to the extension of care and placement by the department and legal supervision by the court, pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the courts legal supervision and the departments responsibility for care and placement may be terminated. Provided, however, the young adult may request reinstatement of responsibility and resumption of the courts legal supervision at any time prior to his or her twenty-first birthday if the young adult meets the requirements set forth in subsection (c)(2). If the department wishes to terminate the courts legal supervision and its responsibility for care and placement, it may file a motion for good cause. The court may exercise its discretion to terminate legal supervision over the young adult at any time.

(f) With the consent of the person previously under the courts supervision, the court may reopen, extend, or retain its jurisdiction beyond that persons twenty-first birthday until his or her twenty-second birthday or until September 30, 2021, whichever date occurs first, under the following circumstances:

(1) The person aged out of DCYF care or left foster care during the COVID-19 public health emergency, defined as beginning on January 27, 2020, and is entitled to extended benefits pursuant to the terms of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Pub. L. No. 116-260; and

(2) The court has or had obtained jurisdiction over the person prior to his or her eighteenth birthday by the filing of a miscellaneous petition or a petition alleging that the child is dependent, abused, or neglected pursuant to § 14-1-5, § 40-11-7, or § 42-72-14 or after the persons eighteenth birthday pursuant to a voluntary extension of care petition; and

(3) Court supervision is necessary for the department of children, youth and families to access IV-E funding to support such benefits, in whole or in part; and

(4) Court supervision is required to continue transition planning and to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of older youth who remain in or who age out of foster care and re-enter foster care.

(g) The court may retain jurisdiction of any child who is seriously emotionally disturbed or developmentally delayed pursuant to § 42-72-5(b)(24)(v) until that child turns age twenty-one (21) when the court shall have obtained jurisdiction over any child prior to the childs eighteenth birthday by the filing of a miscellaneous petition or a petition alleging that the child is dependent, neglected, and/or abused pursuant to §§ 14-1-5, and 40-11-7, or 42-72-14.

(h) The department of children, youth and families shall work collaboratively with the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, and other agencies, in accordance with § 14-1-59, to provide the family court with a transition plan for those individuals who come under the courts jurisdiction pursuant to a petition alleging that the child is dependent, neglected, and/or abused and who are seriously emotionally disturbed or developmentally delayed pursuant to § 42-72-5(b)(24)(v). This plan shall be a joint plan presented to the court by the department of children, youth and families and the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals. The plan shall include the behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals community or residential service level, health insurance option, education plan, available mentors, continuing support services, workforce supports and employment services, and the plan shall be provided to the court at least twelve (12) months prior to discharge. At least three (3) months prior to discharge, the plan shall identify the specific placement for the child, if a residential placement is needed. The court shall monitor the transition plan. In the instance where the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals has not made timely referrals to appropriate placements and services, the department of children, youth and families may initiate referrals.

(i) The parent and/or guardian and/or guardian ad litem of a child who is seriously emotionally disturbed or developmentally delayed pursuant to § 42-72-5(b)(24)(v), and who is before the court pursuant to §§ 14-1-5(1)(iii) through 14-1-5(1)(v), § 40-11-7, or § 42-72-14, shall be entitled to a transition hearing, as needed, when the child reaches the age of twenty (20) if no appropriate transition plan has been submitted to the court by the department of children, youth and families and the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals. The family court shall require that the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals shall immediately identify a liaison to work with the department of children, youth and families until the child reaches the age of twenty-one (21) and an immediate transition plan be submitted if the following facts are found:

(1) No suitable transition plan has been presented to the court addressing the levels of service appropriate to meet the needs of the child as identified by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals; or

(2) No suitable housing options, health insurance, educational plan, available mentors, continuing support services, workforce supports, and employment services have been identified for the child.

(j) In any case where the court shall not have acquired jurisdiction over any person prior to the persons eighteenth (18th) birthday by the filing of a petition alleging that the person had committed an offense, but a petition alleging that the person had committed an offense that would be punishable as a felony if committed by an adult has been filed before that person attains the age of nineteen (19) years of age, that person shall, except as specifically provided in this chapter, be subject to the jurisdiction of the court until he or she becomes nineteen (19) years of age, unless discharged prior to turning nineteen (19).

(k) In any case where the court shall not have acquired jurisdiction over any person prior to the person attaining the age of nineteen (19) years by the filing of a petition alleging that the person had committed an offense prior to the person attaining the age of eighteen (18) years that would be punishable as a felony if committed by an adult, that person shall be referred to the court that had jurisdiction over the offense if it had been committed by an adult. The court shall have jurisdiction to try that person for the offense committed prior to the person attaining the age of eighteen (18) years and, upon conviction, may impose a sentence not exceeding the maximum penalty provided for the conviction of that offense.

( l ) In any case where the court has certified and adjudicated a child in accordance with the provisions of §§ 14-1-7.2 and 14-1-7.3, the jurisdiction of the court shall encompass the power and authority to sentence the child to a period in excess of the age of nineteen (19) years. However, in no case shall the sentence be in excess of the maximum penalty provided by statute for the conviction of the offense.

(m) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the jurisdiction of other courts over offenses committed by any person after he or she reaches the age of eighteen (18) years.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-7-1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-7 / Section 14-7-1
§ 14-7-1. Community restitution.
Status: in_force

The general assembly declares that the words public community service which appear throughout this title shall now be substituted with and referred to as public community restitution.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-53 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-53
§ 14-1-53. Effect of pendency of appeal.
Status: in_force

The pendency of an appeal in the case of a child shall not suspend the order or decree of the family court, nor shall it discharge the child from the custody of the court or of the person, institution, or agency to whose care the child shall have been committed, unless by writ of habeas corpus unless and until the supreme court or any justice of the supreme court shall so order.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-32 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-32
§ 14-1-32. Power of court to order disposition of child.
Status: in_force

If the court finds that a child is delinquent, wayward, neglected, dependent, or otherwise within the provisions of this chapter, it may by order duly entered proceed as follows:

(1) The court may place the child on probation or under supervision in his or her own home or in the custody of a relative or other suitable person, or in the custody of the director of children, youth and families, upon any terms the court determines. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the placement of a child in any facility licensed or approved by another department of state government, upon any terms that the court shall determine; provided, that if the court finds that a child is delinquent or wayward for any offense which has resulted in damage to the property of another, then the court may order that appropriate monetary restitution be made immediately to the owner of the damaged property by the child, his or her parent, parents, or guardian or other lawful custodian, upon examination and after a finding that the child, or his or her parent, parents, or guardian or other lawful custodian, has the ability to pay restitution.

(2) The court may order the child to engage in community restitution at a state or municipal agency or department in addition to or in lieu of restitution, for a period of time to be determined by the court.

(3) The court may order the parent or parents of the child to undertake a program of counseling, which program shall be designed to attempt to remedy those conditions which led to the childs coming before the court.

(4) The court may, by order duly entered, prior to a finding that a child is delinquent, wayward, neglected, dependent, or otherwise within the provisions of this chapter, place the petition on file. The court may, in its discretion, attach conditions to the petition. The conditions shall be a valid court order. If no action is taken on the petition for a period of one year or less, if so ordered, following the filing, the authorization issuing the petition shall be revoked by the clerk and the petition shall be closed.

(5) The court may, after a hearing on either a stenographic or tape recorded record, and after also considering any need of the juvenile and/or the juveniles family for the juvenile to have a drivers license, the relative benefits of the juvenile retaining or losing driving privileges, and whether any circumstances in the school environment or educational services are adversely affecting the juveniles school attendance deny, revoke, suspend and/or reinstate a juveniles driving privileges including both the learning license and/or drivers license of any juvenile deemed wayward as a result of the family court finding the child truant pursuant to chapter 19 of title 16 and/or wayward/delinquent.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-66 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-66
§ 14-1-66. Application by victim to obtain name of juvenile.
Status: in_force

Upon written motion by the victim of a crime or his or her attorney, the family court may, in its discretion, and upon good cause shown, divulge the name and address of the juvenile accused of committing the crime solely for the purpose of allowing the victim to commence a civil action against the juvenile and/or his or her parents to recover for damages sustained as a result of the crime; provided, that written notice of the motion shall be given to the juvenile accused of committing the crime or his or her attorney, and further provided that the court shall order that the name and address of the juvenile accused of committing the crime not be divulged by the victim of a crime or his or her attorney to any other person unless and until the civil action is commenced, without further order of the court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-16 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-16
§ 14-1-16. Summons of child or adult in charge of child.
Status: in_force

Upon the filing of a petition, the justice, if satisfied that there is reasonable cause for the petition, may issue a summons requiring the child to appear before the court at a time and place named in it, and shall also cause a summons to be issued to at least one of the parents of the child if either of them is known to reside within the state, or if there is no parent, then to the guardian or other lawful custodian of the child, if there is one known to be so resident, and, if not, then to the person with whom the child resides, if known.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-36 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-36
§ 14-1-36. Commitment of delinquent and wayward children.
Status: in_force

(a) In all proceedings under this chapter, the court may order a delinquent or wayward child to be committed to the training school for youth for a sentence no longer than the youths nineteenth birthday. However, nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit the placing of any child in the custody of the department of children, youth and families or any other agency, society, or institution, pursuant to § 14-1-32. The commitment of delinquent or wayward children shall be by an order and all assignments of the custody of dependent, neglected, delinquent, or wayward children to the state training school for youth or to the custody of the department of children, youth and families or to any of the private institutions, agencies, or societies mentioned in this chapter shall be by a decree signed by the justice of the court by whom the order or decree is issued, and that order or decree shall be directed to any person that the court may designate, and shall require that person to take the child and deliver him or her to the officer in charge of the training school for youth or to the custody of the director of children, youth and families or of the public or private institution, agency, or society, and the order or decree shall constitute the person charged with it, while he or she has the order in his or her possession for service, an officer for all purposes under this chapter, in any county of the state in which it may be necessary for him or her to go. The person charged with carrying out the order or decree shall also deliver to the officer of the public or private institution, agency, or society or to the training school for youth or the director of children, youth and families a copy of the order or the decree signed by the justice of the court issuing it, and subject to the provisions of this chapter, the officer and other authorities in charge of the training school for youth or the director of children, youth and families or any public or private institution, agency, or society shall hold the child according to the terms of any other order or decree that may from time to time thereafter be issued by the court in relation to the child.

(b) Whenever the court shall commit a child to the training school for youth or to the director of children, youth and families or any other institution or agency, it shall transmit with the order of commitment a summary of its information concerning the child.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-30.2 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-30.2
§ 14-1-30.2. Foster parents  Notice of court proceedings.
Status: in_force

The department of children, youth and families shall provide notice to foster parents, pre-adoptive parents or relatives providing care for a child of any review or hearing to be held with respect to a child in the care of the department. The foster parents, pre-adoptive parents or relatives providing care for a child may attend the hearing and file with the court a report, either written or oral, for the purpose of conveying to the court information relating to the best interest of the child. Nothing in this section shall be construed to give the foster parents, pre-adoptive parents or relatives providing care for a child legal standing as a party to the petition.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-9 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-9
§ 14-1-9. Waiver of jurisdiction over adult.
Status: in_force

If an adult is charged with an offense over which the family court may have jurisdiction by virtue of § 14-1-8, 11-9-9, or 8-10-4, the court may waive jurisdiction over the adult and order that adult held for trial under the regular procedure of the court which would otherwise have jurisdiction of that offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-34 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-34
§ 14-1-34. Placement of dependent and neglected children  Criminal records of foster parents made available.
Status: in_force

(a) If, after a hearing on any petition, a child shall be found to be dependent or neglected within the meaning of this chapter, the court shall by decree assign the custody of the child to the director of children, youth and families, for any period that shall seem fit to the court; and the director of children, youth and families shall become entitled to the custody of the child to the exclusion of any other person. The court may at any time, for good cause shown, modify or revoke the decree.

(b) The department of children, youth and families shall apply to the bureau of criminal identification of the state police or the local police department for a nationwide criminal records check of prospective foster parents or the department of children, youth and families may directly process a nationwide criminal records check of prospective foster parents and any household member age 18 and older. The check will conform to the applicable federal standards including the taking of fingerprints to identify the applicant. The department of children, youth and families shall request the attorney general, through the division of criminal identification, to make available any criminal record of present and prospective foster parents. The attorney general shall immediately comply with that request, and the department of children, youth and families shall examine these records in determining the suitability of these persons to be foster parents. The criminal record check shall be conducted without charge to the foster parents. At the conclusion of the background check required in this section, the state police, attorney general, or the local police department shall promptly destroy the fingerprint record of the applicant obtained pursuant to this chapter.

(c) No license shall be issued by the department of children, youth and families to any individual seeking to be licensed as a foster parent until such time as the results of both the nationwide and statewide, criminal record background check, including the nature of any prior criminal record, are forwarded to the department of children, youth and families. The department may authorize the placement of a child in a prospective foster home pending licensure for a period not to exceed six (6) months only after the department has conducted a DCYF background check pursuant to § 40-13.2-3.1 and a statewide criminal record background check. In the event the department is unable to complete the licensing process within six (6) months of the childs placement in the foster home, and if the department determines that continued placement of the child in said foster home is in the childs best interest, the department shall file a petition with the family court to seek authorization to allow the child(ren) to remain in the foster home pending completion of the licensing process. The department shall provide notice of all such petitions to the office of the child advocate, children(s) parent/guardian, and CASA attorney.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-24 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-24
§ 14-1-24. Care of girls detained.
Status: in_force

Whenever a girl is detained, she may be placed in the care of a police matron, and in the case of a city or town, the police matron may be one of those required to be appointed under the provisions of chapter 5 of title 13; and the board of police commissioners of any city or town where that board exists may appoint a police matron for that purpose.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-7.2 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-7.2
§ 14-1-7.2. Certification  Proof.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon a motion by the attorney general pursuant to § 14-1-7, the court shall conduct a hearing at which it shall be the duty of the attorney general to produce evidence to enable the court to determine:

(1) Probable cause exists to believe that the offense charged has been committed and that the child charged has committed it;

(2) The childs past history of offenses, history of treatment, or the heinous or premeditated nature of the offense is such that the court finds that the interests of society or the protection of the public necessitate the certification; and

(3) The jurisdiction of the court but for the exercise of certification is in all likelihood an insufficient period of time in which to accomplish a rehabilitation of the child.

(b) If the court finds that subdivisions (a)(1)  (a)(3) of this section have been proven by a preponderance of evidence, it shall certify the child pursuant to § 14-1-7.3.

(c) Any person sixteen (16) years of age or older who has been found delinquent for having committed two (2) offenses after the age of sixteen (16), which would render that person subject to an indictment if he or she were an adult, shall be certified pursuant to this section. Any findings for offenses which have occurred prior to April 11, 1990, shall be considered in making a determination of eligibility for certification. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a waiver of jurisdiction of any child pursuant to § 14-1-7.1.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-12 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-12
§ 14-1-12. Form and contents of petition.
Status: in_force

(a) The petition shall plainly state the facts which bring the child within the provisions of this chapter, and shall set forth the name, age, and residence of:

(1) The child;

(2) The childs parents;

(3) The childs other legal guardian, if there is one;

(4) The person or persons having custody or control of the child; and

(5) The nearest known relative, if no parent or guardian can be found.

(b) If any of the facts required by subsection (a) of this section are not known by the petitioner, the petition shall so state.

(c) The proceeding shall be entitled In the matter of a child under eighteen (18) years of age.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-7 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-7
§ 14-1-7. Waiver of jurisdiction or certification hearing.
Status: in_force

(a) If any child is charged with an offense which would be punishable by life imprisonment if committed by an adult, that child, upon motion of the attorney general, shall be brought before the court and the court shall conduct a waiver hearing pursuant to § 14-1-7.1.

(b) Any child sixteen (16) years of age or older who is charged with an offense which would constitute a felony if committed by an adult shall, upon motion of the attorney general, be brought before the court and the court shall conduct a waiver hearing pursuant to § 14-1-7.1.

(c) Any child who is charged with an offense which would constitute a felony if committed by an adult shall, upon motion of the attorney general, be brought before the court and the court shall conduct a certification hearing pursuant to § 14-1-7.2.

(d) Any motion for waiver or certification shall be filed with the court within thirty (30) days of arraignment.

(e) In any hearing on a motion for waiver pursuant to § 14-1-7.1, the court may consider whether or not the child may be alternatively certified pursuant to § 14-1-7.2.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-5-3 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-5 / Section 14-5-3
§ 14-5-3. Treatment of minors  Chemical abuse.
Status: in_force

In all treatment of a child for substance abuse or chemical dependency, the licensed treatment facility shall require the parents of the child to participate in the treatment. Parental consent for treatment of a child shall be required, except as otherwise provided in § 14-5-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-7.3 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-7.3
§ 14-1-7.3. Certification  Effect.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon a finding by the court that the child is subject to certification pursuant to § 14-1-7.2, the court shall afford the child a right to a jury trial, and upon conviction for the offense charged, the court shall sentence the child in accordance with one of the following alternatives:

(1) Impose a sentence upon the child to the training school for youth until the time that the child attains the age of nineteen (19) years;

(2) Impose a sentence upon the child for a period in excess of the childs nineteenth birthday to the adult correctional institutions, with the period of the childs minority to be served in the training school for youth in a facility to be designated by the court. However, the sentence shall not exceed the maximum sentence provided for by statute for conviction of the offense.

(b) Any child who is certified shall not be eligible for release from the training school for youth unless, after hearing, the certifying judge, or the chief judge in his or her absence, or his or her designee, determines by clear and convincing evidence that the child will not pose a threat to the public during the term of the release.

(c) In the event that the court has modified the order of certification pursuant to § 14-1-42 by suspending the balance of the sentence imposed, any violation of the terms of the suspended sentence shall be referred to the appropriate adult court to be treated in accordance with the regular procedure of the court, unless the person is under the age of eighteen (18) years at the time of the violation, in which case, jurisdiction over the sentence shall continue in the family court.

(d) In the event that the court, after a hearing on modification of the order of certification pursuant to § 14-1-42, has determined that it has not been demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that the person has been sufficiently rehabilitated and could be released in the community without posing a danger to the public should the order of certification be modified, the court shall deny the modification of the order of certification and direct the person to serve the balance of his or her sentence under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections in a facility under the control of the department. The sentence, including any term served in the training school for youth, shall be subject to the regulations and statutes governing the parole board.

(e) Any person who commits an offense which would be punishable as a felony if committed by an adult, after having been certified and adjudicated by the family court pursuant to § 14-1-7.2, may, after a hearing by a justice of the family court to determine that probable cause exists to believe that the child has committed the offense, have the jurisdiction over his or her sentence transferred to the department of corrections to be served in facilities under the control of the department.

(f) A finding that the child is subject to certification shall constitute presumptive evidence of the non-amenability of the person to further treatment in facilities available to the family court and the court shall transfer the jurisdiction over his or her sentence to the department of corrections to be served in facilities under the control of the department, unless the presumption is rebutted by clear and convincing evidence which demonstrates that the person is amenable to treatment in family court facilities.

(g)(1) A finding that the child is subject to certification shall also constitute presumptive evidence of the non-amenability of the person to further treatment in facilities available to the family court and the court shall waive jurisdiction over that offense and all subsequent offenses and the child shall be prosecuted for the offense by the court which would have jurisdiction if committed by an adult, unless the presumption is rebutted by clear and convincing evidence which demonstrates that the person is amenable to treatment in family court facilities.

(2) A waiver of jurisdiction over a child pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection shall constitute a waiver of jurisdiction over that child for that offense and for all subsequent offenses of whatever nature, and the child shall be referred to the court which would have had jurisdiction if the offense had been committed by an adult.

(h) The name of any person waived or certified and convicted shall be available to the general public.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-7.4 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-7.4
§ 14-1-7.4. Waiver or certification of juvenile drug offenders.
Status: in_force

A child sixteen (16) years of age or older who has been found delinquent of having committed one felony offense after the age of sixteen (16) involving the unlawful sale, distribution, manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute, or deliver any controlled substance listed in Schedule I or II of § 21-28-2.08, shall be either certified pursuant to § 14-1-7.2 or waived pursuant to § 14-1-7.1 for all subsequent felony offenses involving the unlawful sale, distribution, manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute, or deliver any controlled substance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-5-4 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-5 / Section 14-5-4
§ 14-5-4. Treatment without parental consent.
Status: in_force

In the event a child refuses permission to contact parents to seek parental consent and if, in the judgment of a qualified professional, that contact would not be helpful or would be deleterious to the child who is voluntarily seeking treatment for substance abuse or chemical dependency, then non-invasive, non-custodial treatment services may be provided by a qualified professional without parental consent; provided, during the course of treatment, the qualified professional shall make attempts to obtain permission from the child to obtain parental consent for and parental involvement in the treatment services.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-32.4 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-32.4
§ 14-1-32.4. Family counseling for drug or alcohol related offenses.
Status: in_force

If the court finds that a child is delinquent or wayward for any violation of the Rhode Island Controlled Substances Act, chapter 28 of title 21, the court may order the child, his or her parent(s), guardian(s), and/or other lawful custodian(s) to participate in a program of counseling designed to attempt to remedy the conditions which led to the childs coming before the court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-45.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-45.1
§ 14-1-45.1. Compelling evidence in adult cases  Immunity.
Status: in_force

In the hearing of any case in which an adult is charged with an offense committed against state laws within the purview of this chapter, if a person refuses to answer a question or produce other evidence of any kind on the ground that he or she may be incriminated by it, or if a child refuses to answer a question or produce other evidence of any kind on the ground that it supports a finding that he or she is delinquent or wayward, and if the attorney general, in writing, requests the chief judge of the family court or his or her designee to order that person or child to answer the question or produce the evidence, the court, in its discretion, after notice to the witness, may order the person or child to answer the question or produce the evidence. In deciding those matters, the chief judge or his or her designee shall consider whether the person may be incriminated or whether the evidence may support a finding that the child is delinquent or wayward in some other jurisdiction. After complying, and if, but for this section, he or she would have been privileged to withhold the answer given or the evidence produced by him or her, that person or child shall not be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which, in accordance with the order, he or she gave answer or produced evidence. But he or she may, nevertheless, be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for any perjury, false swearing, or contempt committed in answering or failing to answer, or in producing, or failing to produce, evidence in accordance with the order.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-29 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-29
§ 14-1-29. Times and places of hearings.
Status: in_force

The court shall designate suitable times and places for the hearing of all matters arising within its jurisdiction and may sit at any other times and places within the state that the court may seem best adapted to the carrying out of the purposes of this chapter. Hearings under this chapter may be adjourned from time to time and to different places within the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-51 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-51
§ 14-1-51. Physical or mental examination and treatment.
Status: in_force

(a) The court may cause any person coming under its jurisdiction to be examined by a licensed physician who is expert in physical diagnosis or in neuropsychiatry.

(b) Whenever a child who has been brought before the family court appears to be in need of medical or surgical care, the court may order the parent, guardian, or other custodian to provide treatment for the child in a hospital or otherwise. If the parent, guardian or other custodian fails to provide that care, the court may, after due notice, enter an order for it; and the expense of the medical care when approved by the court shall be charged to the state, if the parents are unable to pay it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-64 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-64
§ 14-1-64. Disposition of juvenile records.
Status: in_force

(a) All police records relating to the arrest, detention, apprehension, and disposition of any juveniles shall be kept in files separate and apart from the arrest records of adults and shall be withheld from public inspection, but the police report relating to the arrest or detention of a juvenile shall be open to inspection and copying upon request and upon payment of copying costs in accordance with § 38-2-4 by the parent, guardian, or attorney of the juvenile involved. After disposition of an offense and upon execution of an appropriate release and upon payment of copying costs in accordance with § 38-2-4 by the parent, guardian or attorney of the juvenile involved, records relating to the arrest, detention, apprehension and disposition of the juveniles shall be open to inspection and copying by the parent, guardian, or attorney of the juvenile involved.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the identity of any juvenile waived pursuant to § 14-1-7.1 or certified and convicted pursuant to § 14-1-7.2 shall be made public.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-5 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-5
§ 14-1-5. Exclusive jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

(a) The court shall, as set forth in this chapter, have exclusive original jurisdiction in proceedings:

(1) Concerning any child residing or being within the state who is: (i) Delinquent; (ii) Wayward; (iii) Dependent; (iv) Neglected; or (v) Mentally disabled;

(2) Concerning adoption of children;

(3) To determine the paternity of any child alleged to have been born out of wedlock and to provide for the support and disposition of that child in case that child or the childs mother has residence within the state; and

(4) [Deleted by P.L. 2021, ch. 39, § 3 and P.L. 2021, ch. 40, § 3.]

(5) Referred to the court in accordance with the provisions of § 14-1-28.

(b) The jurisdiction of the court is concurrent with that of a federal court sitting in the state over proceedings involving a violation of federal law committed by a child on a military installation of the United States Department of Defense if:

(1) The United States Attorney or the federal court waives exclusive jurisdiction; and

(2) The violation of federal law is also a crime under state law.

(c) When concurrent jurisdiction has been established pursuant to this section, the court has exclusive original jurisdiction over any case involving a child who is alleged to be delinquent as the result of an act committed within the boundaries of a military installation that is a crime or infraction under state law.

(d) In any case involving a child who has previously committed such an act on a military installation, the family court shall have exclusive and automatic jurisdiction.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-5.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-5.1
§ 14-1-5.1. Age in dispute.
Status: in_force

In any proceeding under this chapter where the age of a person is in dispute, the person whose age is in dispute shall prove his or her age to the reasonable satisfaction of the court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-21 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-21
§ 14-1-21. Release or detention of child under custody of court.
Status: in_force

In the case of any child whose custody has been assumed by the court, the child may, pending the final disposition of the case, be released in the custody of a parent, guardian, or other custodian, or of a probation counselor or other person appointed by the court, to be brought before the court at the designated time. When not released as provided in this section, the child, pending the hearing of the case, shall be detained at the training school subject to §§ 14-1-11 and 14-1-27.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-48.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-48.1
§ 14-1-48.1. Powers of chief judge in jury trials.
Status: in_force

The chief judge of the family court, in the selection of petit jurors for family court service, shall be empowered to exercise all powers which the presiding judge of the superior court has in the selection of petit jurors in criminal cases to be tried before the superior court. All agencies of state government shall provide the necessary services as requested by the chief judge of the family court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-5-6 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-5 / Section 14-5-6
§ 14-5-6. Custodial treatment.
Status: in_force

Whenever a juvenile voluntarily seeks custodial, invasive treatment for substance abuse or chemical dependency, the parents must be notified and their consent obtained, except as otherwise provided in § 14-5-7.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-35 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-35
§ 14-1-35. Guardianship of agency to which child entrusted  Adoption proceedings.
Status: in_force

In the event that the court shall award a dependent or neglected child to the custody of the department of children, youth, and families, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, the child shall, unless otherwise ordered, become a ward and be subject to the guardianship of the department. That guardianship shall not include the guardianship of any estate of the child. The department shall be made party to any proceeding for the legal adoption of the child and may, by its attorney or agent, appear in the family court where those proceedings are pending and consent to the adoption. However, when adoption proceedings shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the family court, then notice of the filing of the petition in the adoption proceedings shall be filed with the clerk of the family court at least twenty (20) days before any final decree of adoption shall be entered, and the entry of any final decree of adoption shall release the department from any liability which may have been incurred by it by reason of the commitment of the child to it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-5.2 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-5.2
§ 14-1-5.2. Expanded jurisdiction for special immigrant juvenile status findings.
Status: in_force

(a) The family court shall have jurisdiction to make factual findings under this section and to award legal custody or appoint a legal guardian of a person under the age of twenty-one (21) years to be used solely in conjunction with a petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for designation of the minor child as having special immigrant juvenile status (herein this section referred to as SIJS) under 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(27)(J) including, but not limited to, determinations regarding the following:

(1) Whether the child has been declared dependent on the court, or legally placed under the custody of an individual or entity appointed by the court;

(2) Whether reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law; and

(3) Whether it is not in the best interest of the child to be returned to the childs country of nationality or last habitual residence.

(b) For purposes of this section, the term child shall include any unmarried person under twenty-one (21) years of age who files a petition for relief under this section.

(c) The family court shall have original or continuing jurisdiction to make the findings set forth in subsection (a) of this section for any petitioner who is under the age of twenty-one (21) at the time of filing, regardless of whether the petitioner has reached the age of eighteen (18) before the court issues its findings.

(d) A petition for factual findings under this section may be filed as an independent action or in conjunction with any other proceeding over which the family court has jurisdiction including, but not limited to, guardianship, child custody, adoption, and dependency matters.

(e) The courts jurisdiction to issue findings under this section shall be solely for the purposes of making the necessary factual determinations to support a petition for SIJS and shall not confer any independent immigration status.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-5-5 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-5 / Section 14-5-5
§ 14-5-5. Acknowledgment of treatment  Clinical record.
Status: in_force

(a) Before a licensed facility may provide treatment services to a child without parental consent, the facility must obtain written acknowledgement from the child authorizing his or her evaluation and receipt of treatment services. Before requesting that a minor sign that acknowledgment, the child must be:

(1) Advised of the purpose and nature of treatment services;

(2) Told that he or she may withdraw the signed acknowledgment and cease participation in the treatment service at any time;

(3) Told that the facility will make attempts to convince the child of the need for involvement of other family members in treatment and the facilitys preference for parental consent for the rendering of treatment services; and

(4) Advised that a medical/clinical record of his or her treatment services will be made and maintained by the facility.

(b) The signed form shall be included in the childs clinical record. The clinical record shall include full documentation of the reasons why treatment was provided without parental consent and of all attempts made prior to and during the course of treatment to obtain that consent.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-39 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-39
§ 14-1-39. Fees for delivery of child to court or institution.
Status: in_force

A fee of one dollar ($1.00), and an allowance of ten cents ($0.10) per mile traveled with any child may be paid to the person designated to deliver any child to a public or private institution, agency, or society, or to bring any child from a public or private institution, agency, or society to a session of the court, the allowance to be paid out of a sum appropriated for this purpose, when certified to by a justice of the court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-70 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-70
§ 14-1-70. Proceedings under prior law.
Status: in_force

No proceeding arising from an offense committed prior to April 11, 1990, shall be affected by the repeal or modification of the statutes in effect at the time an offense was committed, but proceedings may be instituted, continued, and brought to final determination in accord with the laws and regulations in effect prior to April 11, 1990.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-47 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-47
§ 14-1-47. Trial by judge or jury.
Status: in_force

If any adult is charged with an offense, the trial shall be by jury unless the accused shall in open court expressly waive trial by jury and request to be tried by the justice, in which case the trial shall be by the justice of the family court, and the judgment and sentence shall have the same force and effect in all respects as if the judgment and sentence had been entered and pronounced upon the verdict of a jury.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-3 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-3
§ 14-1-3. Definitions.
Status: in_force

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be construed as follows:

(1) Adult means a person eighteen (18) years of age or older.

(2) Appropriate person, as used in §§ 14-1-10 and 14-1-11, except in matters relating to adoptions and child marriages, means and includes:

(i) Any police official of this state, or of any city or town within this state;

(ii) Any duly qualified prosecuting officer of this state, or of any city or town within this state;

(iii) Any director of public welfare of any city or town within this state, or his or her duly authorized subordinate;

(iv) Any truant officer or other school official of any city or town within this state;

(v) Any duly authorized representative of any public or duly licensed private agency or institution established for purposes similar to those specified in § 8-10-2 or 14-1-2; or

(vi) Any maternal or paternal grandparent, who alleges that the surviving parent, in those cases in which one parent is deceased, is an unfit and improper person to have custody of any child or children.

(3) Child means a person under eighteen (18) years of age; provided, however, solely for the purposes of special immigrant juvenile status, pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(27)(J), a child may be defined as an unmarried person under the age of twenty-one (21) years.

(4) The court means the family court of the state of Rhode Island.

(5) Delinquent, when applied to a child, means and includes any child who has committed any offense that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony, or who has on more than one occasion violated any of the other laws of the state or of the United States or any of the ordinances of cities and towns, other than ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles.

(6) Dependent means any child who requires the protection and assistance of the court when his or her physical or mental health or welfare is harmed, or threatened with harm, due to the inability of the parent or guardian, through no fault of the parent or guardian, to provide the child with a minimum degree of care or proper supervision because of:

(i) The death or illness of a parent; or

(ii) The special medical, educational, or social-service needs of the child which the parent is unable to provide.

(7) Justice means a justice of the family court.

(8) Neglect means a child who requires the protection and assistance of the court when his or her physical or mental health or welfare is harmed, or threatened with harm, when the parents or guardian:

(i) Fails to supply the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care, though financially able to do so or offered financial or other reasonable means to do so;

(ii) Fails to provide the child proper education as required by law; or

(iii) Abandons and/or deserts the child.

(9) Supervised independent living setting means a supervised setting in which a young adult is living independently, that meets any safety and/or licensing requirements established by the department for this population, and is paired with a supervising agency or a supervising worker, including, but not limited to, single or shared apartments or houses, host homes, relatives and mentors homes, college dormitories or other postsecondary educational or vocational housing. All or part of the financial assistance that secures an independent supervised setting for a young adult may be paid directly to the young adult if there is no provider or other child-placing intermediary, or to a landlord, a college, or to a supervising agency, or to other third parties on behalf of the young adult in the discretion of the department.

(10) Voluntary placement agreement for extension of care means a written agreement between the state agency and a young adult who meets the eligibility conditions specified in § 14-1-6(c), acting as their own legal guardian that is binding on the parties to the agreement. At a minimum, the agreement recognizes the voluntary nature of the agreement, the legal status of the young adult and the rights and obligations of the young adult, as well as the services and supports the agency agrees to provide during the time that the young adult consents to giving the department legal responsibility for care and placement.

(11) Wayward, when applied to a child, means and includes any child:

(i) Who has deserted his or her home without good or sufficient cause;

(ii) Who habitually associates with dissolute, vicious, or immoral persons;

(iii) Who is leading an immoral or vicious life;

(iv) Who is habitually disobedient to the reasonable and lawful commands of his or her parent or parents, guardian, or other lawful custodian;

(v) Who, being required by chapter 19 of title 16 to attend school, willfully and habitually absents himself or herself from school or habitually violates the rules and regulations of the school when he or she attends;

(vi) Who has, on any occasion, violated any of the laws of the state or of the United States or any of the ordinances of cities and towns, other than ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles; or

(vii) Any child under seventeen (17) years of age who violates § 21-28.11-22, and who is not exempted from the penalties pursuant to chapter 28.6 of title 21.

(12) Young adult means an individual who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years but has not reached the age of twenty-one (21) years and was in the legal custody of the department on their eighteenth birthday pursuant to an abuse, neglect or dependency petition; or was a former foster child who was adopted or placed in a guardianship after attaining age sixteen (16).

(13) The singular shall be construed to include the plural, the plural the singular, and the masculine the feminine, when consistent with the intent of this chapter.

(14) For the purposes of this chapter, electronic surveillance and monitoring devices means any radio frequency identification device (RFID) or global positioning device that is either tethered to a person or is intended to be kept with a person and is used for the purposes of tracking the whereabouts of that person within the community.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-32.3 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-32.3
§ 14-1-32.3. Appropriations.
Status: in_force

The general assembly shall appropriate one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for support and maintenance of the pilot juvenile restitution program; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of that appropriation or so much of it as may be necessary for the purposes appropriated, upon receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-10 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-10
§ 14-1-10. Preliminary investigation on information furnished to court.
Status: in_force

Except in case of emergency detention, whenever any appropriate person shall give to the court information in his or her possession that a child is within the provisions of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the court to make a preliminary investigation to determine whether the interests of the public or of the child require that further action be taken, and to report its findings together with a statement of the facts to the judge. The inquiry may include a preliminary investigation of the home and environmental situation of the child, his or her previous history, and the circumstances which were the subject of the information. To avoid duplication of effort and to take full advantage of all existing facilities, the report of any public agency, or of any private social agency licensed by the department of children, youth, and families, may be accepted by the court as sufficient evidence for the filing of a petition.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-23 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-23
§ 14-1-23. Place of detention of juveniles.
Status: in_force

The board of police commissioners or other corresponding police authority of each city and town, and the city council of each city and town council of each town where no board of police commissioners or other corresponding police authority, exists, may provide and maintain, in their respective city or town, a suitable place or places not directly connected with any jail or lockup in which children temporarily detained awaiting the action of the court may be kept so long as detention may be necessary.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-46 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-46
§ 14-1-46. Institution of proceedings against adults  Process.
Status: in_force

Proceedings against adults may be instituted by the officers duly authorized by law to institute those proceedings or by the courts own motion. The court shall issue its summons, warrant of arrest, or other process in order to secure or compel the attendance of any necessary person.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-26 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-26
§ 14-1-26. Separation from adult offenders.
Status: in_force

In case a delinquent or wayward child is taken into custody or detained before or after the filing of a petition, or pending a hearing on the petition, the child shall not be confined in any prison, jail, lockup, or reformatory, or be transported with, or compelled or permitted to associate or mingle with, criminal, vicious, or dissolute persons, but shall be kept under the care of the person arresting the child, or of a police matron as provided in § 14-1-24, until by order of the court other disposition is made of the child as provided in this chapter; and if the child is ordered to be detained or confined in any of the institutions mentioned in this chapter, the child shall not be conveyed to or from the institution with adult offenders.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-8 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-8
§ 14-1-8. Jurisdiction over adults.
Status: in_force

The court shall, as set forth in this chapter, have exclusive original jurisdiction to determine all cases of adults involved in matters arising out of § 14-1-5(3) and all cases of adults charged with:

(1) Being responsible for or contributing to the delinquency, waywardness, or neglect of any child under sixteen (16) years of age;

(2) Desertion, abandonment, or failure to provide subsistence for any child dependent upon him or her for support; or

(3) Neglect to send any child to school as required by law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-38 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-38
§ 14-1-38. Insufficient evidence of waywardness or delinquency.
Status: in_force

If, after a hearing on any petition in the case of a wayward or delinquent child under this chapter, the court finds that there is not sufficient evidence to support it, the court shall adjudge the child to be not a delinquent or wayward child, as the case may be, and shall discharge the child.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-42 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-42
§ 14-1-42. Modification of order of commitment  Release, detention, or recommitment of child.
Status: in_force

(a) An order of commitment made by the court in the case of a child shall be subject to modification or revocation from time to time.

(b) A parent, guardian, or next friend of a child or counsel for a child who has been committed or assigned by the court to the custody of the department of children, youth and families may at any time file with the court a verified petition, stating that the person or the department has denied an application for the release of the child or has failed to act upon the application within a reasonable time. If the court is of the opinion that an investigation should be had, it may, upon due notice to all concerned, proceed to hear and determine the question at issue. If a petition is filed, it shall be the duty of the court to determine by clear and convincing evidence that there has been a change of circumstances, and where the modification or revocation of the order of commitment is in the best interest of the child and the public, the court may:

(1) Order that the child be restored to the custody of its parent or guardian or be detained in the custody of the person or the department;

(2) Direct the person or the department to make any other arrangements for the childs care and welfare that the circumstances of the case may require; or

(3) A further order of commitment.

(c) In any case where a child has been certified and adjudicated pursuant to §§ 14-1-7.2 and 14-1-7.3, and sentenced pursuant to § 14-1-7.3(a)(2), the court shall schedule a review of the childs case thirty (30) days prior to the childs eighteenth birthday or thirty (30) days prior to the one-year anniversary of the imposition of the sentence, whichever is greater. It shall be the responsibility of the attorney general or of the law enforcement agency making the arrest to notify the victim or victims of the crime for which the juvenile was certified and adjudicated of the pendency of the hearing and afford them the opportunity to be heard. The court shall not hear or determine any other motion for modification of the order of certification, except as provided for in this section. At that time and upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that demonstrates that the person has made sufficient efforts at rehabilitation and that the modification of the order of certification would not pose a threat to the safety of the public, the court may suspend, but shall not vacate, the balance of the sentence.

(d) In the event that the court, after a hearing, determines that it has not been demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that the person has made sufficient efforts at rehabilitation and that the modification of the order of certification entered pursuant to § 14-1-7.3(a)(2) would pose a threat to the safety of the public, the court shall order either:

(1) That the person be remanded to the training school for youth until further hearing to be held no later than one year thereafter in accordance with subsection (c) of this section; or

(2) That the jurisdiction of the sentence be transferred to the department of corrections and that the balance of the sentence be served in facilities under the control of the department.

(3) In any case where a child has been certified and adjudicated pursuant to § 14-1-7.3(a)(2), upon motion by the attorney general and/or the department of children, youth and families, the court shall conduct a hearing to consider modification of the order of certification if the family court determines that the individual poses a serious threat to the safety of the public, other residents at the training school and/or training school staff. Upon that finding the court may order that the jurisdiction of the sentence be transferred to the department of corrections and that the balance of the sentence be served in facilities under the control of the department.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-32.2 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-32.2
§ 14-1-32.2. Administration of program  Payment for services.
Status: in_force

The family court shall be responsible for the administration of the restitution program, shall oversee and coordinate all local community based juvenile restitution programs, and shall process and make all payments to children who are required to perform community restitution in lieu of other public or private employment pursuant to § 14-1-32.1. The probation counselor responsible for a child offender, or a child restitution office in the local city or town, shall maintain time sheets and other documents necessary to determine and process the payment of child offenders. Remuneration for the services provided by the child offender in a community restitution job shall be made as a wage payment by check, with the child offender listed as the payee. However, the check shall be mailed to the childs probation counselor or a child restitution office established by the cities and towns. The child offender shall pay the victim of his or her acts seventy-five percent (75%) of each payment and twenty-five percent (25%) of the payment shall be retained by the child. This same percentage shall apply to the child offender who is otherwise employed at the time he or she is required to make restitution.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-49 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-49
§ 14-1-49. Fees for service of process or attendance in court.
Status: in_force

In proceedings under this chapter, no court or witness fees shall be taxed or allowed against any party to a petition, and no salaried officer of the state, or of any city or town, shall be entitled to receive any fee for the service of process or for attendance in court in any of these proceedings, but all other persons acting under orders of the court shall be allowed, for service of process and attendance in court, the fees provided by law for like services in criminal cases before the district court, the fees to be paid from the appropriation provided for by law, when certified to by a justice of the court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-1
§ 14-1-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be designated as the Family Court Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-69 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-69
§ 14-1-69. Hearsay.
Status: in_force

In any custody and/or termination trial and/or a hearing on a motion or probable cause hearing where a petition has been filed by the department of children, youth, and families in accordance with §§ 14-1-11, 40-11-7 and/or 15-7-7 in the family court, the court may, in its discretion, permit as evidence any statement by a child under the age of thirteen (13) years old about a prescribed act of abuse, neglect, or misconduct by a parent or guardian, if that statement was made spontaneously within a reasonable time after the act is alleged to have occurred, and if the statement was made to someone the child would normally turn to for sympathy, protection, or advice.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-65 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-65
§ 14-1-65. Hearings for out-of-state placement of children.
Status: in_force

(a) Prior to authorizing the placement of a child entrusted to the control of the department of children, youth, and families and in an out-of-state child caring facility, other than the home of a relative, the department shall petition the family court for a placement hearing. The family court shall grant approval for the placement if the following facts are found:

(1) That no suitable in-state facilities are available for the placement of the child;

(2) That the child will receive an individualized treatment plan, including, but not limited to, appropriate clinical treatment, education, training, and rehabilitation; and

(3) That the proposed placement is in the best interest of the child.

(b) This section shall not apply when the proposed placement is less than thirty-five (35) miles from the home of the parent previously having custody of the child.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-30 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-30
§ 14-1-30. Conduct of hearings.
Status: in_force

In the hearing of any case, the general public shall be excluded; only an attorney or attorneys, selected by the parents or guardian of a child to represent the child, may attend, and only those other persons shall be admitted who have a direct interest in the case, and as the justice may direct. All cases involving children shall be heard separately and apart from the trial of cases against adults.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-11 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-11
§ 14-1-11. Authorizing and filing petition.
Status: in_force

(a) The filing of the petition constitutes assumption of jurisdiction over the child. Filing shall take place upon authorization by the intake department upon completion of its procedures pursuant to Rule 3 of the Rules of Juvenile Proceedings, upon authorization by a justice of the family court pursuant to Rule 4 of the Rules of Juvenile Proceedings, or immediately upon appearance of the child before the court following emergency detention, unless the court otherwise orders.

(b) In the event that a petition is filed, any appropriate person having knowledge, information, or belief of the material facts that appear to warrant a petition may be a petitioner under this chapter and is not required to give recognizance or surety for costs. The petition shall be directed to the family court of the state of Rhode Island, setting forth, that in the opinion of the petitioner the child is a delinquent, wayward, dependent, or neglected child, or otherwise comes within the provisions of this chapter, and requires the care and protection of the state, and all petitions, with the exception of those requesting the arrest and/or detention of any person, shall be sworn to before a licensed notary public. Those exceptions, as stated above, shall be sworn to by either a justice or clerk of the family court.

(c) No child shall be ordered detained at the training school unless there is pending against the child a petition setting forth facts that would constitute a felony or misdemeanor if committed by an adult or that alleges a violation of a valid court order, or unless the child is adjudged in contempt of court. Provided, the family court shall not detain a juvenile at the training school for the violation of a valid court order, until a hearing is conducted and it is determined that the child intentionally violated the order, and the violation involves the failure of the child to engage in services or activities intended to protect or promote the childs health or safety, or the health or safety of any other person or persons.

In the event a child is ordered to be detained at the training school, the family court shall conduct a probable cause hearing within five (5) calendar days of the childs detention (exclusive of weekends and/or holidays). At the conclusion of the probable cause hearing, the court shall order the release of the child from the training school unless the court finds that the child poses a substantial risk of harm to self or to others.

Nothing in this section prohibits the temporary commitment by the family court to the department of children, youth and families for placement of a child in a specific facility or program other than the training school for youth.

(d) The department of children, youth and families, in consultation with law enforcement agencies, the attorney general, the office of the public defender, and the family court, shall develop and implement a detention risk assessment instrument by no later than July 1, 2009.

(e) No child shall be placed in detention at the training school unless a determination is made by the family court that the child poses a substantial risk of harm to self or to others.

(f) No petition alleging that a child is wayward by virtue of disobedient behavior may be filed except upon proof offered in the petition that the child has been subjected to a needs assessment conducted at a facility approved by the director of the department of children, youth and families and that a treatment plan resulting from that assessment has been unsuccessful.

(g) The director of the department of children, youth and families is authorized and directed to promulgate any rules and regulations that it deems necessary to implement the provisions and purposes of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-4 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-4
§ 14-1-4. Idleness or frequenting of disreputable places.
Status: in_force

Every child who has completed sixteen (16) years of life and has not completed eighteen (18) years of life and who habitually spends his or her time in idleness without just and sufficient reason or cause, or in frequenting poolrooms, places where intoxicating liquors are sold, gambling places, or houses of ill repute, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor; and upon conviction shall be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or shall be imprisoned not exceeding one year.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-36.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-36.1
§ 14-1-36.1. Release from training school.
Status: in_force

(a) No child sentenced to the training school for youth, after being found delinquent or wayward, shall be released prior to the end of his or her sentence unless authorized by a justice of the family court, after a hearing with due notice to the parties to the petition upon which the child was sentenced. At any such hearing, the family court shall authorize the release of the child to his or her home and/or to the care and custody of the department of children, youth and families unless the court finds that the child:

(1) Poses a substantial risk of harm to self; or

(2) Poses a substantial risk of harm to others; or

(3) Has demonstrated that he or she may leave the jurisdiction of the court.

Provided, however, any child who has been certified and adjudicated pursuant to §§14-1-7.2 and 14-1-7.3, may not be released prior to the end of his or her sentence, except as authorized under §14-1-42 of this chapter.

(b) A child so sentenced may be allowed as part of a rehabilitation program to be placed temporarily in a community program outside of the training school only when authorized by the family court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-41 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-41
§ 14-1-41. Protection of religious faith.
Status: in_force

In placing a child under the guardianship or custody of a private agency, society, or institution, the court may when practicable select an agency, society, or institution governed by persons of like religious faith of the parents of the child, or in case of a difference in the religious faith of the parents, then of the religious faith of the child, or, if the religious faith of the child is not ascertainable, then of the faith of either of the parents. When neither the religious faith of the parents nor the religious faith of the child is ascertainable, the foregoing principles shall not apply.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-18 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-18
§ 14-1-18. Process running throughout state  Persons authorized to serve.
Status: in_force

All summonses, warrants, orders, and other processes issued by the court shall run throughout the state and may be served by any officer authorized to serve the warrants of district courts or by any probation counselor, or by any officer of any private agency, society, or institution prescribed in this chapter, or by any person that may be designated by the justice.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-5-8 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-5 / Section 14-5-8
§ 14-5-8. Possession of one ounce (1 oz.) or less of marijuana.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any public, special, or general law to the contrary, possession of one ounce (1 oz.) or less of marijuana, as defined in § 21-28-1.02, by a child under seventeen (17) years of age and who is not exempted from penalties pursuant to chapter 28.6 of title 21, shall constitute a status offense pursuant to § 14-1-3(11)(vii) and forfeiture of the marijuana. The family court may order a substance-abuse assessment and, if recommended, substance-abuse treatment. The parents or legal guardian of any child under seventeen (17) years of age shall be notified of the offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-71 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-71
§ 14-1-71. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-45 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-45
§ 14-1-45. Procedures in adult cases  Sentence.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, all provisions of this chapter relative to procedure in cases of children, so far as practicable, shall also be construed as applying to cases against adults for offenses committed against state laws within the purview of this chapter. Upon trial of those cases, the court shall have the power to impose the sentence that the law provides, suspend the sentence, place on probation, revoke or continue suspension, or by order impose upon the adult any duty that shall be deemed for the best interests of the child, and exercise any additional powers over the defendant that is exercised by the superior court in other criminal cases under the provisions of chapter 19 of title 12.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-25 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-25
§ 14-1-25. Arrest of juveniles without warrant.
Status: in_force

Any officer authorized to make an arrest for any criminal offense may take into custody without a warrant any child believed to be delinquent or wayward within that officers jurisdiction, but in no case shall a child be detained in custody longer than twenty-four (24) hours without being referred to the family court for consideration.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-26.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-26.1
§ 14-1-26.1. Temporary custody of status and non-offenders.
Status: in_force

A juvenile taken into custody at a state, municipal, or college police department for an offense that would not be classified as criminal if committed by an adult, or non-offender juveniles, such as dependent or neglected children, shall be held for identification, investigation, and processing purposes only in an unlocked, multi-purpose room that is not designated for residential use or secure detention. The child shall not be handcuffed to a stationary object and must remain in continuous visual supervision of an agency representative.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-35.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-35.1
§ 14-1-35.1. Child advocate as guardian of estate of child in certain circumstances  Plan for disbursement of funds.
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to the provisions of § 14-1-35, the office of the child advocate shall be the guardian of the estate of any child for whose benefit a judgment for compensation or order approving a settlement for compensation is entered by the court pursuant to the provisions of § 12-25-3, to be held by that office in accordance with the requirements of § 42-73-9.1.

(b) Upon the termination of proceedings instituted under this chapter, the child advocate shall formulate a plan for the disbursement of compensation for the sole benefit of the child, whether before or at the age of majority, which plan shall be presented to and approved by the family court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-33 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-33
§ 14-1-33. Supervision of child placed on probation.
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever the court places a child on probation, the court may do so upon any terms and conditions, not inconsistent with law, that the court may deem best for the welfare of the child, but unless otherwise ordered by the court, a probation counselor may make any arrangements for the care of the child that he or she may deem best for its welfare, and may release the child in the care of its parent, guardian, or other lawful custodian, or in the care of any relative of the child. If a child has been placed on probation as provided in this chapter, the probation counselor may at any time before the discharge of the child take the child before the court without a warrant, or the court may issue a warrant to bring the child before the family court. When the child is before the court, the court may make any disposition of the case which it might have made before the child was placed on probation, or may continue or extend the period of probation.

(b) At the end of the probation period of a child, the probation counselor shall make a report to the court, in writing, as to the conduct of the child during that period.

(c) If, at any time during a childs probationary term, the child is charged with an additional and subsequent delinquency offense, which if committed by an adult would be considered a felony, the probation counselor shall file a petition in the family court alleging that the child has violated probation.

(d) If, at any time during a childs probationary term the child is charged with an additional and subsequent wayward/disobedient or status offense, the probation counselor may file a petition in the family court alleging that the child has violated probation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-6.2 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-6.2
§ 14-1-6.2. Sentencing.
Status: in_force

In any case in which the court shall have jurisdiction of a juvenile pursuant to this chapter, the court shall consider placing the juvenile in the least restrictive appropriate facility or program.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-58 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-58
§ 14-1-58. Counsel.
Status: in_force

The attorney general or any attorney in his or her department designated by him or her shall, upon request of the petitioner, when directed by the court, appear and act for the petitioner in any criminal case under the provisions of this chapter; and the public defender shall, at the direction of the court, appear in criminal cases on behalf of defendants who are found by the court to be financially unable to engage counsel.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-20 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-20
§ 14-1-20. Release or placement of child in custody of officer.
Status: in_force

Whenever any officer takes a child into custody, he or she shall, unless it is impracticable or has been otherwise ordered by the court, accept the written promise of the parent, guardian, or other custodian of the child to bring the child to the court at the time fixed. Upon that promise the child may be released in the custody of a parent, guardian, or other custodian. If not so released, the child shall be placed in the custody of a probation counselor or other person designated by the court, or shall immediately be taken to the court or other place of detention designated by the court, and the officer taking him or her shall immediately notify the court and shall file a petition when directed to do so by the court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-22 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-22
§ 14-1-22. Taking child into immediate custody.
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as forbidding any police officer or probation counselor from immediately taking into custody any child who is found violating any law or ordinance, or whose surroundings are such as to endanger his health, morals, or welfare, unless immediate action is taken. In each of these cases, the officer taking the child into custody shall immediately report the fact to the court and the case shall then be proceeded with as provided in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-17 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-17
§ 14-1-17. Service of summons.
Status: in_force

The summons shall require the person upon whom it is served to appear before the court at a time and place stated in it for a hearing on the petition, the allegations of which shall be set forth in the summons, and the summons shall be served by reading it to, and leaving a copy with, the person to be served, or by leaving an attested copy at the last and usual place of abode of the person summoned, with some person living there. However, in the event that the justice has reason to believe that the child may not appear upon summons, or in the event that a child has been summoned and does not appear, the justice may issue a warrant reciting the substance of the petition and requiring the officer to whom it is directed to immediately take the child and bring it before the court to be dealt with according to the provisions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-36.2 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-36.2
§ 14-1-36.2. Assignment of custody to the director of the department of children, youth and families.
Status: in_force

In the event the court assigns custody of a child to the director of the department of children, youth and families pursuant to §§ 14-1-11, 14-1-11.1, 14-1-27, 14-1-32, 14-1-34, 14-1-36, 14-1-36.1, 40-11-7.1, or 40-11-12, the court shall authorize the provision of suitable treatment, rehabilitation and care for each child in the least restrictive and community-based setting.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-67.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-67.1
§ 14-1-67.1. Revocation of motor vehicle operators license for failure to make restitution.
Status: in_force

If a child fails to make court ordered restitution within the time period provided for in an order of the court, a judge may prepare and send to the division of motor vehicles an order of revocation of the driving privileges of the child. The judge may order the revocation to be in effect until the child complies with the order to make restitution.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-61 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-61
§ 14-1-61. Rules of court.
Status: in_force

The court shall have the power to adopt rules of procedure for the conduct of the court not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-19 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-19
§ 14-1-19. Failure to obey summons.
Status: in_force

Any parent, guardian, lawful custodian, or other person having the care and control of a child, who shall willfully refuse or neglect to appear in court in accordance with any summons served upon him or her may be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) or be imprisoned not more than three (3) months.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-3-1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-3 / Section 14-3-1
§ 14-3-1. Power to take custody of children.
Status: in_force

Any orphanage or society organized and incorporated under the laws of this state for the care of orphans and needy children, and having a license for that purpose from the department of children, youth, and families, is authorized and empowered to take and have, from time to time, the exclusive care, custody, and control of children during their minority, in cases as follows:

(1) When any child shall have been committed to its care during minority, under the decree of any court; and

(2) When any child shall have been committed to its care during minority, by the written consent of both parents of the child, unless their joint natural guardianship has been superseded by an order, decree, decision, or judgment, regarding the care and custody of the child, or by the appointment of a legal guardian of the person of the child, in which event written consent shall be signed by the person legally entitled to the care and custody of the child, or by the legal guardian of the person of the child.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-37 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-37
§ 14-1-37. Other disposition for best interests of child.
Status: in_force

The court may make any further disposition that it may deem to be for the best interests of the child, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-13 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-13
§ 14-1-13. Complaints pertaining to feeble-minded persons.
Status: in_force

Any complaint brought before the family court under the provisions of title 40.1 shall be brought by the person and in the manner set forth by title 40.1.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-40 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-40
§ 14-1-40. Adjudication not having effect of conviction.
Status: in_force

(a) No adjudication upon the status of any child in the jurisdiction of the court shall operate to impose any of the civil disabilities ordinarily resulting from a conviction, nor shall any child be deemed a criminal by reason of that adjudication, nor shall that adjudication be deemed a conviction, nor shall any child be charged with or convicted of a crime in any court, except as provided in this chapter. The disposition of a child or any evidence given in the court shall not be admissible as evidence against the child in any case or proceeding in any other court, nor shall that disposition or evidence operate to disqualify a child in any future civil service application, examination, or appointment.

(b) Any finding of delinquency based upon acts which would constitute a felony, if committed by an adult, shall be available to the attorney general for use in its recommendations to any court in sentencing and that record may be taken into consideration for the purposes of sentencing.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-32.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-32.1
§ 14-1-32.1. Juvenile victim restitution program.
Status: in_force

(a) If a judge of the family court finds that a child is delinquent, wayward, or otherwise within the provisions of this chapter, and places the child on probation, he or she shall, where appropriate, require the child to compensate the victim for losses due to the act of the child, and the child shall make restitution in a reasonable amount within a reasonable period of time and in accordance with that payment schedule established by the judge from funds earned by the child pursuant to employment engaged in by the child. The restitution shall be made under the direction of a probation counselor in cooperation with the administrator of the juvenile victim restitution program within the family court.

(b) If the child is not employed, the probation counselor, in cooperation with the restitution program administrator or a member of his or her staff, shall make a reasonable effort to find private or other public employment for the child. However, if the child does not have employment after a reasonable time and private or other public employment is not obtained, despite the efforts of the restitution program staff, the child shall, where appropriate, be directed by the court to perform work in some type of community restitution and with arrangements for compensation pursuant to § 14-1-32.2. If parents make monetary restitution, the child may still be ordered to perform community restitution without compensation.

(c) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the employer of a juvenile hired pursuant to the provisions of this section shall receive a credit of ten percent (10%) of the amount of wages paid to the juvenile annually against the state income tax owed by the employer, provided the credit shall not exceed the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000) annually.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-2 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-2
§ 14-1-2. Purpose of chapter.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is:

(1) To secure for each child under its jurisdiction the care, guidance, and control, preferably in his or her own home, that will serve the childs welfare and the best interests of the state;

(2) To conserve and strengthen the childs family ties wherever possible, removing him or her from the custody of his or her parents only when his or her welfare or the safety and protection of the public cannot be adequately safeguarded without that removal; and

(3) When a child is removed from his or her own family, to secure for him or her custody, care, and discipline as nearly as possible equivalent to that which should have been given by his or her parents.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-15 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-15
§ 14-1-15. Warrants for offenses against children.
Status: in_force

The family court is vested with authority to issue a warrant for any offense by any person as set forth in §§ 11-9-1  11-9-8 and chapter 9 of title 15.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-30.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-30.1
§ 14-1-30.1. Compelling evidence in hearings  Immunity.
Status: in_force

In the hearing of any case in which a child is alleged to be delinquent or wayward, if a person refuses to answer a question or produce other evidence of any kind on the ground that he or she may be incriminated by it, or if a child refuses to answer a question or produce other evidence of any kind on the ground that it supports a finding that he or she is delinquent or wayward, and if the attorney general, in writing, requests the chief judge of the family court or his or her designee to order that person or child to answer the question or produce the evidence, the court, in its discretion, after notice to the witness, may order the person or child to answer the question or produce the evidence. In deciding those matters, the chief judge or his or her designee shall consider whether the person may be incriminated, or whether the evidence may support a finding that the child is delinquent or wayward, in some other jurisdiction. After complying, and if, but for this section, he or she would have been privileged to withhold the answer given or the evidence produced by him or her, that person or child shall not be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which, in accordance with the order, he gave answer or produced evidence. But he or she may, nevertheless, be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for any perjury, false swearing, or contempt committed in answering or failing to answer, or in producing, or failing to produce, evidence in accordance with the order.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-14 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-14
§ 14-1-14. Petitions for adoption.
Status: in_force

Any petition for the adoption of any person under the age of eighteen (18) years shall be brought before the family court in the manner set forth in chapter 7 of title 15.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-59 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-59
§ 14-1-59. Cooperation of public and private agencies.
Status: in_force

It is made the duty of every state, town, or municipal official or department, including, but not limited to, the department of children, youth, and families, the department of health, the department of human services, the department of elementary and secondary education, the office of substance abuse, and the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, to render all assistance and cooperation within his, her, or its jurisdictional power which may further the objects of this chapter. All institutions or agencies providing services to any child are required to give to the court any information concerning the child that the court may require. The court is authorized to seek the cooperation of all societies or organizations having for their object the protection or aid of children, and their physical or spiritual welfare; and the court shall utilize the available services of all of those societies and organizations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-31 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-31
§ 14-1-31. Services of public defender.
Status: in_force

Prior to the commencement of any hearing, the justice shall advise the parent or guardian of any child, or the adult involved, as the case may be, that if he or she is financially unable to engage counsel, he or she is entitled to the services of the public defender. The public defender shall, at the request of a justice of the family court, appear in court on behalf of that person.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-5-7 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-5 / Section 14-5-7
§ 14-5-7. Parental refusal  Custodial treatment.
Status: in_force

(a) In the event that a minor voluntarily seeks custodial or invasive treatment, a qualified professional determines that that treatment is in the best interest of the minor, and the minors parents refuse to consent to treatment, the minor, or anyone on his or her behalf, may petition the family court for approval of treatment.

(b) A judge of the family court shall, upon petition and after an appropriate hearing, authorize custodial or invasive treatment if the judge determines that the child is mature and capable of making his or her decision as to the need for treatment, or if the judge determines that the child is not mature but that the custodial invasive treatment requested by the child would be in the childs best interests.

(c) A child may participate in the hearing on his or her own behalf and shall be represented in the proceeding by legal counsel. Proceedings in the family court under this section shall be confidential and shall be given precedence over other pending matters, so that the court may reach a decision promptly and without delay so as to serve the best interests of the child.

(d) A judge of the family court who conducts proceedings under this section shall make in writing specific factual findings and legal conclusions supporting his or her decision and shall order a record of the evidence to be maintained, including his or her own findings and conclusions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-48 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-48
§ 14-1-48. Jury trial in family court.
Status: in_force

(a) In every case in which trial is by jury in the family court, in accordance with the provisions of § 14-1-47, the trial shall be held in the same manner and subject to the same provisions as jury trials in criminal prosecution in the superior court.

(b) The presiding justice of the superior court may assign a room in the superior court building for any jury trial held by the family court. The general public shall be excluded and only those persons shall be admitted as provided in § 14-1-30.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-3-2 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-3 / Section 14-3-2
§ 14-3-2. Proceedings to declare child in care of orphanage dependent or neglected.
Status: in_force

If the parents of any child in the care of an institution are dead, and the child has no guardian, or if any child shall have been maintained by an institution for the space of one year without aid in its support from its parents or guardian, or demand for its custody by either parent or guardian, the child may be proceeded against as a dependent or neglected child by petition to the family court under the provisions of chapter 1 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-36.3 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-36.3
§ 14-1-36.3. Community confinement.
Status: in_force

(a) The family court may authorize that a sentenced youth or a youth who is subject to an order of detention to the Thomas C. Slater training school be placed in the community in an appropriate setting as specified in §§ 14-1-27 and 14-1-32 for a period of time as determined by the court. In any instance wherein the family court authorizes the release of a sentenced youth from the Thomas C. Slater training school to community confinement, the youth shall be supervised by probation pursuant to § 14-1-33 and the term of community confinement shall not exceed the term of his or her sentence to the training school.

(b) The court order to place a detained youth or a sentenced youth on probation and/or in community confinement may include the use of electronic surveillance or monitoring devices as defined in this chapter, upon the finding by the court that:

(1) The youth is charged with or adjudicated on an offense which meets the definition of delinquent as found in 14-1-3(5); and

(2) The youth would otherwise be detained at or sentenced to the Thomas C. Slater Training School for Youth; and

(3) The use of the surveillance or devices will allow the youth to be released to the home of a legal guardian, family member, or foster home placement.

(c) Any use of electronic surveillance and monitoring devices authorized for non-adjudicated youth who have been detained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be limited to thirty (30) days unless the court determines that an additional period not to exceed thirty (30) days is necessary for the safety or welfare of the youth and/or the community.

(d) Any use of electronic surveillance and monitoring devices authorized for adjudicated youth who have been sentenced in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be limited to a period not to exceed sixty (60) days unless the court determines that an additional period not to exceed thirty (30) days is necessary for the safety or welfare of the youth and/or the community.

(e) The department is authorized to adopt, amend, and rescind regulations in accordance with this chapter and implement its provisions, including rules and regulations for the application, surveillance and reporting of youth compliance with electronic surveillance and monitoring devices. The regulations shall be promulgated and become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-5-2 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-5 / Section 14-5-2
§ 14-5-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) Child or minor means any person under eighteen (18) years of age who is not married, is not a parent, or is not emancipated.

(2) Chemical dependency means addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs.

(3) Licensed treatment facilities means:

(i) A licensed hospital located in Rhode Island which is accredited by the joint commission on the accreditation of hospitals;

(ii) An inpatient facility with residential rehabilitation treatment and/or detoxification programs as licensed by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and accredited by the joint commission on accreditation of hospitals. Treatment must be rendered under the direct supervision of a licensed doctor of medicine;

(iii) Day/evening treatment services and/or partial hospitalization services in a licensed hospital located in Rhode Island or in a facility licensed by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals for substance dependency and substance abuse treatment;

(iv) A facility located in Rhode Island with non-residential treatment programs and facilities approved and licensed by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals; or

(v) An out-of-state facility which has been approved by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

(4) Non-custodial, non-invasive treatment means any treatment where the juvenile is not detained overnight or in any way against his or her will, and which consists only of counseling. This counseling can include help for personal problems and for coping with parental alcohol and drug problems.

(5) Parent means a natural or adoptive parent, or a legal guardian.

(6) Qualified professional means a physician, nurse, credentialed substance abuse counselor, certified social worker, or a licensed psychologist.

(7) Substance abuse means abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-27 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-27
§ 14-1-27. Temporary detention in public or private institutions.
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to § 14-1-11, provision may be made by the family court for the temporary detention of children at the training school for youth or in the custody of the director of the department of children, youth and families. The court may authorize the temporary placement of children in private homes licensed and approved by the department of children, youth and families and subject to the supervision of the court, or may arrange with any incorporated institution or agency licensed for child care, to receive for temporary care children ordered detained by the court. Unless good cause is shown to delay the commencement of the adjudicatory hearing, if a child is in detention, the family court shall commence the adjudicatory hearing within thirty (30) calendar days from whichever of the following events occurs latest: the date the petition is served on the child; or the date the child is placed in detention. In all such cases, the family court shall conclude the adjudicatory hearing within fifteen (15) calendar days of the commencement of the hearing unless good cause is shown to extend an adjudicatory hearing beyond fifteen (15) calendar days.

(b) In any case wherein the attorney general files an application to waive and/or certify a youth, the juvenile may be detained at the training school for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days. In such cases, the department shall present to the family court a waiver report within forty-five (45) calendar days. At the expiration of ninety (90) days, the attorney generals petition for waiver and/or certification shall be decided by the family court, unless good cause is shown to extend the time upon which the family court may render such a decision.

(c) When DCYF makes application to the court to take a child into temporary custody due to allegations of abuse and/or neglect or dependency, DCYF shall have the duty to investigate the possibility of placing the child or children with a fit and willing relative not residing with the parents. DCYF shall conduct an assessment into the appropriateness of placement of the child or children with the relative within thirty (30) days of the childs placement in the temporary custody of DCYF. If the department determines that the relative is a fit and proper person to have placement of the child, the child shall be placed with that relative, unless the particular needs of the child make the placement contrary to the childs best interests. All placements with relatives shall be subject to criminal records checks in accordance with § 14-1-34, foster care regulations promulgated by DCYF, and interstate compact approval, if necessary.

(d) If DCYF proposes to place the child with a relative outside the state of Rhode Island, DCYF shall notify the parent who shall have an opportunity to file an objection to the placement with the family court within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice. A hearing shall be held before the child is placed outside the state of Rhode Island.

(e) If the request of a relative for placement of a child or children is denied by DCYF, that relative shall have the right to petition the court for review. The court shall within five (5) days of the request conduct a hearing as to the suitability of temporary placement with the relative and shall make any orders incident to placement that it deems meet and just.

(f) Whenever the court determines that permanent placement or adoption is in the best interest of a child, a fit and willing relative who has been awarded placement of the child shall be given priority over a non-relative, provided that the placement or adoption is in the best interest of the child.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-5-1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-5 / Section 14-5-1
§ 14-5-1. Purpose of chapter.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to encourage juveniles who are chemically dependent to obtain treatment for substance abuse.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-68 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-68
§ 14-1-68. Child witness.
Status: in_force

(a) A videotape recording made by the department of children, youth, and families, a law enforcement officer, or a hospital, of an interview of or statement made by a child who is the subject of any petition filed by the department pursuant to §§ 40-11-7, 14-1-11, and/or 15-7-7, is admissible in any court proceeding under those sections notwithstanding any objection to hearsay statements contained in the videotape, provided it is relevant and material, and provided its probative value substantially outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice to the childs parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the childs welfare. The circumstances of the making of the videotape recording, including the makers lack of personal knowledge, may be proved to affect its weight.

(b) Prior to the videotaped recording being introduced into evidence the court shall first determine that:

(1) The statement is sworn to under oath by the child and the significance of the oath is explained to the child;

(2) The recording is both visual and aural, and is recorded on film or videotaped or by other electronic means;

(3) The recording equipment was capable of making an accurate recording, the operator of the equipment was competent, and the recording is accurate and has not been altered;

(4) Every voice on the recording is identified;

(5) The statement was not made in response to questioning calculated to lead the child to make a particular statement;

(6) The person conducting the interview of the child is available to testify at any court proceeding pursuant to this chapter; and

(7) The child shall be available to testify at any court proceeding pursuant to this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-67 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-67
§ 14-1-67. Revocation or denial of motor vehicle operators license upon finding of delinquency or waywardness.
Status: in_force

(a) If the court finds that a child is delinquent, by reason of having violated any provision of chapter 28 of title 21 or is wayward in accordance with § 14-1-3(11)(i)  (11)(v), the court, in addition to any other penalty or punishment imposed, may prepare and send to the division of motor vehicles, within twenty-four (24) hours of the determination of delinquency or waywardness, an order of denial or an order of revocation of the driving privileges of the child found delinquent or wayward and/or may require the child to perform up to one hundred (100) hours of community restitution.

(b) The court may review the order and may withdraw the order at any time the court deems appropriate, except the court may not withdraw an order for a period of ninety (90) days following issuance of the order.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-6.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-6.1
§ 14-1-6.1. Records.
Status: in_force

(a) In any case where a court shall have obtained jurisdiction of a juvenile having attained the age of seventeen (17) years pursuant to 2007 P.L. 73, Article 22, section 1:

(i) All police records relating to the arrest, detention, apprehension and disposition of the juvenile and all records of identification maintained pursuant to chapter 12-1 of the general laws shall be treated as family court records in accordance with §§ 14-1-64 and 38-2-2 of the general laws; provided, however, that no person and no department, agency or any other instrumentality of the state or of any subdivision thereof shall be held liable or otherwise legally accountable for having disclosed or disseminated any such records in reasonable reliance upon the law in effect between July 1, 2007, and the effective date of this act [November 8, 2007]; and provided further that nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the use of witness statements and other police records in the course of judicial proceedings initiated prior to the effective date of this act; and

(ii) All court records of such proceedings shall be sealed upon final disposition of the case in the event of a no information, dismissal or not guilty finding or upon the completion of any sentence, probation and/or parole imposed therein.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-52 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-52
§ 14-1-52. Appeals.
Status: in_force

(a) From any final decree, judgment, order, decision, or verdict of the family court, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, there shall be an appeal to the supreme court, which appeal, in all civil cases except paternity proceedings under chapter 8 of title 15, shall follow the procedure for appeal in civil actions as provided in chapter 24 of title 9. A decision granting a divorce shall be appealable upon entry and, except as otherwise provided by law, the correctness of the decision shall not be reviewable upon an appeal from a final decree for divorce entered in pursuance of § 15-5-23. Appeals in criminal cases in which the family court exercises jurisdiction over adults, and in paternity cases under chapter 8 of title 15, shall follow the procedure for appeal as provided in chapter 24 of title 9. The provisions of chapter 24 of title 9 and applicable procedural rules relating to the superior court shall apply to the family court in matters appealed from the family court; provided, that on appeal, the supreme court may by rule provide for certain circumstances as it may deem appropriate.

(b) Every person aggrieved by any decree, judgment, order, decision, or verdict of the family court relating to modification of alimony or of child support, or a finding of contempt for failure to pay alimony or child support, may, within twenty (20) days after entry of the decree, judgment, order, decision, or verdict, seek review of questions of law in the supreme court by petition for writ of certiorari in accordance with the procedure contained in this chapter. The petition for a writ of certiorari shall set forth errors claimed. Upon the filing of a petition with the clerk of the supreme court, the supreme court may, if it sees fit, issue its writ of certiorari to the family court to certify to the supreme court the record of the proceeding under review, or so much of it as was submitted to the family court by the parties, together with any additional record of the proceeding in the family court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-44 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-44
§ 14-1-44. Effect of order for maintenance  Enforcement.
Status: in_force

(a) The order and decree shall be regarded as a judgment for debt on which suits may be brought or executions may issue for amounts due and unpaid, from time to time, to be shown by affidavits of the custodian of the child entitled to those amounts and the attorney of record, if any, of the custodian, the executions to run against the goods and chattels of the parent, and for want of goods and chattels against the body of the parent. The law officer of any town or city or the state attorney-general of the state may enter appearance for the purpose of obtaining or enforcing any order and decree for support in the case of a child in which the town, city, or state is an interested party.

(b) The court shall have any and all of the powers of a court of equity for the purpose of enforcing any of these orders and decrees.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-11.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-11.1
§ 14-1-11.1. Commitment of voluntary placements.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of children, youth and families shall petition the family court and request the care, custody, and control of any child who is voluntarily placed with the department for the purpose of foster care by a parent or other person previously having custody and who remains in foster care for a period of twelve (12) months. However, there shall be no requirement for the department to seek custody of any child with an emotional, behavioral or mental disorder or developmental or physical disability if the child is voluntarily placed with the department by a parent or guardian of the child for the purpose of accessing an out-of-home program for the child in a program which provides services for children with disabilities, including, but not limited to, residential treatment programs, residential counseling centers, and therapeutic foster care programs.

(b) In a hearing on a petition alleging that a child is dependent, competent and creditable evidence that the child has remained in foster care for a period of twelve (12) months shall constitute prima facie evidence sufficient to support the finding by the court that the child is dependent in accordance with § 14-1-3.

(c) In those cases where a young adult who meets the eligibility criteria in § 14-1-6(c) wishes to continue in foster care after age eighteen (18), the young adult and an authorized representative of DCYF shall, before the youth reaches age eighteen (18), discuss the terms of a voluntary placement agreement for extension of care to be executed upon or after the young adults eighteenth birthday.

(d) In those cases where a young adult who meets the eligibility criteria in § 14-1-6(c) exits foster care at or after age eighteen (18), but wishes to return to foster care before age twenty-one (21), DCYF shall file a petition for legal supervision of the young adult, with a voluntary placement agreement for extension of care, executed by the young adult and an authorized representative of DCYF attached.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-62 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-62
§ 14-1-62. Construction of chapter.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish the purposes sought in it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-7.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-7.1
§ 14-1-7.1. Waiver of jurisdiction  Proof.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon a motion by the attorney general pursuant to § 14-1-7, the court shall conduct a hearing at which it shall be the duty of the attorney general to produce evidence to enable the court to determine:

(1) That probable cause exists to believe that the offense charged has been committed and that the child charged has committed it, unless the proof has been elicited at a prior hearing on detention of the juvenile and the findings have been made by the same justice of the family court who is conducting the waiver proceeding; and

(2) That the childs past history of offenses, history of treatment, or the heinous or premeditated nature of the offense is such that the court finds that the interests of society or the protection of the public necessitate the waiver of jurisdiction of the court over the child.

(b) If the court finds that subdivisions (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section have been proven by a preponderance of evidence, it may waive jurisdiction over the child and refer the child to the appropriate adult court to be tried for the offense as an adult.

(c) A waiver of jurisdiction over a child pursuant to this section shall constitute a waiver of jurisdiction over that child for the offense upon which the motion is based as well as for all pending and subsequent offenses of whatever nature, and the child shall be referred to the court which would have had jurisdiction if the offense had been committed by an adult. In the event that the child is acquitted of the offense for which the waiver has been sought, the waiver shall be vacated.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-59.1 — RI Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-1 / Section 14-1-59.1
§ 14-1-59.1. Procedural safeguards.
Status: in_force

The family court, in cooperation with the department of children, youth, and families, shall develop policies for the purpose of identifying procedural safeguards to protect the rights of children in the process of discharge or emancipation and/or disposition of a petition.