reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.13 - Supported Decision-Making Act › Section 42-66.13-5. - Supported decision-making agreements.

§ 42-66.13-5. Supported decision-making agreements.
(a)
A supported decision-making agreement must include all of the following:
(1)
Designation of at least one supporter;
(2)
The types of decisions for which the supporter is authorized to assist; and
(3)
The types of decisions, if any, for which the supporter may not assist.
(b)
A supported decision-making agreement may include any of the following:
(i)
Designation of more than one supporter;
(ii)
Provision for an alternate to act in the place of a supporter in such circumstances as may be specified in the agreement; and
(iii)
Authorization for a supporter to share information with any other supporter named in the agreement, as a supporter believes is necessary.
(c)
A supported decision-making agreement is valid only if all of the following occur:
(1)
The agreement is in a writing that contains the elements of the form contained in § 42-66.13-10;
(2)
The agreement is dated; and
(3)
Each party to the agreement signed the agreement in the presence of two (2) adult witnesses, or before a notary public.
(d)
The two (2) adult witnesses required by subsection (c)(3) of this section may not be any of the following:
(1)
A supporter for the principal;
(2)
An employee or agent of a supporter named in the supported decision-making agreement;
(3)
A paid provider of services to the principal; and
(4)
Any person who does not understand the type of communication the principal uses, unless an individual who understands the principal’s means of communication is present to assist during the execution of the supported decision-making agreement.
(e)
A supported decision-making agreement must contain a separate declaration signed by each supporter named in the agreement indicating all of the following:
(1)
The supporter’s relationship to the principal;
(2)
The supporter’s willingness to act as a supporter; and
(3)
The supporter’s acknowledgement of the role of a supporter under this chapter.
(f)
A supported decision-making agreement may authorize a supporter to assist the principal to decide whether to give or refuse consent to a life-sustaining procedure pursuant to the provisions of chapters 4.10 and 4.11 of title 23.
(g)
A principal or a supporter may revoke a supported decision-making agreement at any time in writing and with notice to the other parties to the agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 113, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 124, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.13 - Supported Decision-Making Act › Section 42-66.13-6. - Supporters.

§ 42-66.13-6. Supporters.
(a)
Except as otherwise provided by a supported decision-making agreement, a supporter may do all of the following:
(1)
Assist the principal in understanding information, options, responsibilities, and consequences of the principal’s life decisions, including those decisions relating to the principal’s affairs or support services;
(2)
Help the principal access, obtain, and understand any information that is relevant to any given life decision, including medical, psychological, or educational decisions, or any treatment records or records necessary to manage the principal’s affairs or support services;
(3)
Assist the principal in finding, obtaining, making appointments for, and implementing the principal’s support services or plans for support services;
(4)
Help the principal monitor information about the principal’s affairs or support services, including keeping track of future necessary or recommended services; and
(5)
Ascertain the wishes and decisions of the principal; assist in communicating those wishes and decisions to other persons; and advocate to ensure that the wishes and decisions of the principal are implemented.
(b)
Any of the following are disqualified from acting as a supporter:
(1)
A person who is an employer or employee of the principal, unless the person is an immediate family member of the principal;
(2)
A person directly providing paid support services to the principal, unless the person is an immediate family member of the principal; and
(3)
An individual against whom the principal has obtained an order of protection from abuse or an individual who is the subject of a civil or criminal order prohibiting contact with the principal.
(c)
A supporter shall act with the care, competence, and diligence ordinarily exercised by individuals in similar circumstances, with due regard either to the possession of, or lack of, special skills or expertise.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 113, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 124, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.13 - Supported Decision-Making Act › Section 42-66.13-7. - Recognition of supporters.

§ 42-66.13-7. Recognition of supporters.
A decision or request made or communicated with the assistance of a supporter in conformity with this chapter shall be recognized for the purposes of any provision of law as the decision or request of the principal and may be enforced by the principal or supporter in law or equity on the same basis as a decision or request of the principal.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 113, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 124, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.13 - Supported Decision-Making Act › Section 42-66.13-8. - Access to information.

§ 42-66.13-8. Access to information.
(a)
A supporter may assist the principal with obtaining any information to which the principal is entitled, including, with a signed and dated specific consent, protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104-191], educational records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 [20 U.S.C. § 1232g], or information protected by 42 U.S.C. § 290dd-2, 42 C.F.R. Part 2.
(b)
The supporter shall ensure all information collected on behalf of the principal under this section is kept privileged and confidential, as applicable; is not subject to unauthorized access, use, or disclosure; and is properly disposed of when appropriate.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 113, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 124, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-66.13 - Supported Decision-Making Act › Section 42-66.13-9. - Reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

§ 42-66.13-9. Reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
If a person who receives a copy of a supported decision-making agreement or is aware of the existence of a supported decision-making agreement has cause to believe that the principal, who is an adult with a developmental disability or an elder, is being abused, neglected, or exploited by the supporter, the person shall report the alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation pursuant to §§ 40.1-27-2 and 42-66-8.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 113, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 124, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-69 - Schooner Ernestina/Morrissey Commission › Section 42-69-1. - Commission established — Membership.

§ 42-69-1. Commission established — Membership.
There is established a permanent state commission to be known as the schooner Ernestina/Morrissey commission, consisting of nine (9) members to be appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be the director of the Rhode Island economic development corporation, or that director’s designee, one of whom shall be the director of the department of environmental management, or that director’s designee, one of whom shall be the mayor of the city of Providence, or the mayor’s designee, one of whom shall be a member of the heritage commission, one of whom shall be from the University of Rhode Island’s division of marine resources, and four (4) of whom shall be from the public sector.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 76, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 61, § 16; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 42; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 44.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-69 - Schooner Ernestina/Morrissey Commission › Section 42-69-2. - Purpose.

§ 42-69-2. Purpose.
The purpose of this commission is to accept as a gift or a donation, or otherwise acquire from the Republic of Cape Verde, title to and possession of the schooner Ernestina, formerly known as the Effie M. Morrissey, and to operate it for educational and training purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 76, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-69 - Schooner Ernestina/Morrissey Commission › Section 42-69-3. - Terms of membership.

§ 42-69-3. Terms of membership.
When first appointed, three (3) of the members shall serve for a term of three (3) years, three (3) for a term of two (2) years, three (3) for a term of one year, as shall be designated by the governor. The successor of each member shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve only for the unexpired term. They shall annually elect from among their members a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 76, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-69 - Schooner Ernestina/Morrissey Commission › Section 42-69-4. - Powers and duties.

§ 42-69-4. Powers and duties.
The commission is authorized and empowered:
(a)
To accept as a gift or a donation, or otherwise acquire from the Republic of Cape Verde, title to and possession of the schooner Ernestina, formerly known as the Effie M. Morrissey, one hundred and twenty (120) tons, launched in Essex, Massachusetts, in the year 1894, to be permanently berthed in the waters of Rhode Island;
(b)
To hold, administer, control, operate, and repair the vessel for educational or training purposes, including training of students or cadets, oceanographic and fisheries research and training, scientific study, exhibitions, participation in celebrations and festivals, and to sail the vessel for those purposes upon the oceans, the seas, and all navigable waters and to fly the flag of the state of Rhode Island;
(c)
To charge fees or tuition to students, trainees, cadets, or others who are carried on voyages or trips for educational or training purposes;
(d)
To operate a museum or exhibit, either aboard or off the vessel, to illustrate the past history of the vessel or of similar vessels and to charge and receive admission fees from the general public to visit the museum or exhibit;
(e)
To receive and accept from any federal agency grants for or in aid of the acquisition or operations of the vessel, and to receive and to accept contributions from any source of either money, property, labor or other things of value, to be held, used, invested, reinvested, and applied only for the purposes for which the grants and contributions may be made, and which may be expended under the order or the approval of the commission without specific appropriation;
(f)
To appoint a director for a term not exceeding three (3) years to supervise and manage the daily operations of the commission, who may also serve as officer in charge of the schooner Ernestina/Morrissey, provided he or she is so qualified, and to engage the services of those employees that it deems necessary; and
(g)
To cooperate with, and/or enter into any agreements with other states, and the United States’ Department of State, for the purpose of furthering the objectives of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 76, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-70 - The Oliver H. Stedman Government Center › Section 42-70-1. - Oliver H. Stedman Government Center.

§ 42-70-1. Oliver H. Stedman Government Center.
The Washington County Government Center located at the former Mount St. Joseph College in South Kingstown, is named the “Oliver H. Stedman Government Center”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 5, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-71 - American and Italian Cultural Exchange Commission › Section 42-71-1. - Commission established.

§ 42-71-1. Commission established.
There shall be an American and Italian cultural exchange commission to consist of nine (9) members, all of whom shall be American citizens descended from Italian ancestry and residents of the state; three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate; and three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the governor. The commission shall establish, maintain, and develop cultural ties between Italians and Italian-Americans; foster a special interest in the historical and cultural background of both groups, as well as in the economic, political, social, and artistic life of the countries involved; and shall help establish or promote Italian language programs in the schools of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 174, Art. XVI, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 305, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-71 - American and Italian Cultural Exchange Commission › Section 42-71-2. - Terms of office — Chairperson.

§ 42-71-2. Terms of office — Chairperson.
The members shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years except that of the three (3) members originally appointed by each of the appointing authorities: one shall be appointed for a term of one year, one shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years and one for a term of three (3) years. The members shall annually elect one of them as chairperson of the commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 174, Art. XVI, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-71 - American and Italian Cultural Exchange Commission › Section 42-71-3. - Authority to accept grants.

§ 42-71-3. Authority to accept grants.
In addition to any of its other powers and responsibilities, the commission is authorized and empowered to accept any grants made available by the United States government or any agency of the United States government and the commission, with the approval of the governor, is authorized and empowered to perform any acts and enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the United States of America or any agency of the United States government as may be necessary in any manner and degree as shall be deemed to be in the best interest of the state. The proceeds of grants received shall be paid to the general treasurer of the state and by him or her deposited in a separate fund and shall be utilized for the purposes of the grants.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 118, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-1. - Establishment of department — Director.

§ 42-72-1. Establishment of department — Director.
(a)
There is established within the executive branch of state government a department of children, youth, and families.
(b)
The head of the department shall be the director of children, youth, and families, who shall be a person qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office, in accordance with § 42-72-4.
(c)
The director shall be in the unclassified service, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, and shall hold office for a term of four (4) years and shall continue to hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. The director shall receive a salary as provided by law.
The director is further authorized and directed to provide to the governor, the speaker of the house and the president of the senate, no later than October 1, 1991, a comprehensive and detailed plan to restructure the department of children, youth, and families. The plan will be developed in close cooperation with the special legislative task force to investigate the department of children, youth, and families.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 342, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 112.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-2. - Declaration of policy.

§ 42-72-2. Declaration of policy.
The state finds and declares:
(1)
That parents have the primary responsibility for meeting the needs of their children, and the state has an obligation to help them discharge this responsibility or to assume this responsibility when parents are unable to do so;
(2)
That the state has a basic obligation to promote, safeguard and protect the social well-being and development of the children of the state through a comprehensive program providing for:
(i)
Social services and facilities for children who require guidance, care, control, protection, treatment, or rehabilitation;
(ii)
A permanent home and safe environment for children; services to children and their families to prevent the unnecessary removal of children from their homes; foster care and services to children with special needs who must be removed from their families to meet their particular needs;
(iii)
The strengthening of the family unit and making the home safe for children by enhancing the parental capacity for good child care;
(iv)
The setting of standards for social services and facilities for children;
(v)
The preventing and controlling of juvenile delinquency; and
(vi)
The promoting and developing of specialized comprehensive mental health services for the care and treatment of children;
(3)
That the upgrading and maintenance of services, resources, and programs pertaining to children deserves priority consideration as a means of preventing ineffective responses to their social well-being and development;
(4)
That the establishment of a department of state government to provide for social well-being and development of children is the most effective way to insure that the state meets its basic obligation to children;
(5)
That the state department of children, youth, and families be designated as the single authority to establish and provide a diversified and comprehensive program of services for the social well-being and development of children and their families; and
(6)
In furtherance of its purpose, the department of children, youth, and families will cooperate with the family court, other public and private agencies and the federal government in the development of comprehensive programs to prevent problems in children and their families. It shall take the initiative in all matters concerning children and their families and stimulate community planning in the coordination and development of a broad public policy of services to children and their families. It shall establish professional standards of services, develop and provide in-service training programs pertinent thereto, and stimulate research to improve the quality of service programs for children and their families. It shall coordinate its services with other services in the state and local community.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-3. - Definitions.

§ 42-72-3. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter:
(1)
“Advocate” means the child advocate or any of his or her agents, servants or employees as established pursuant to this title.
(2)
“Child” or “children” means any person under the age of eighteen (18); provided that children over the age of eighteen (18) and who continue to receive services from the department and/or who are defined as emotionally disturbed and/or as children with functional developmental disabilities as referenced in this section shall be considered “children” for all the purposes of this chapter.
(3)
“Child abuse and neglect” is that term as defined in chapter 11 of title 40.
(4)
“Department” means the department of children, youth and families.
(5)
“Director” means the director of children, youth and families, or his or her designee.
(6)
“Regional service center” means the respective local or regional units established by the director.
(7)
“Near fatality” means an act that, as certified by a physician, placed the child in serious or critical condition.
(8)
“Infant” means any person under the age of twenty-four (24) months.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 118, art. 15, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 328, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 441, § 33; P.L. 1999, ch. 54, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 122, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 22, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-5.1. - Adoption of children placed under foster care.

§ 42-72-5.1. Adoption of children placed under foster care.
(a)
The foster parent(s) of a child, committed to the department of children, youth, and families by the family court, who has had the physical custody of the child for a period of two (2) years or more may petition the family court for the adoption of the child.
(b)
The court shall give notice of the petition to the natural parent(s) and, after a hearing thereon, the court may grant the petition, if it finds:
(1)
That the department of children, youth, and families has made every effort to involve the natural parent(s) in planning for the child;
(2)
That the natural parent(s) did not exercise reasonable visitation rights with the child; and
(3)
That termination of the rights of the natural parent(s) and adoption by the foster parent(s) is in the best interests of the child.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 113, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-5.2. - Development of a continuum of children’s behavioral health programs.

§ 42-72-5.2. Development of a continuum of children’s behavioral health programs.
The departments of children, youth, and families (DCYF) and human services (DHS) shall cooperate to develop a design of a continuum of care for children’s behavioral health services that encourages the use of alternative psychiatric and other services to hospitalization and reviews the utilization of each service in order to better match services and programs to the needs of the children and families as well as continuously improve the quality of and access to services. The departments of children, youth, and families and human services shall present a report to the governor and the general assembly no later than February 1, 2006 that fully describes this continuum of services and outlines a detailed plan for its implementation, including resource requirements, responsibilities, milestones, and time frames, as well as a set of indicators and program metrics that will be employed to evaluate its clinical and fiscal effectiveness over time. The report shall also describe any and all changes proposed in program oversight or budgetary responsibility for specific services. An important step towards the development of such continuum of care is to assure the appropriate management of psychiatric hospitalizations. To that end the state shall:
(1)
Amend contractual agreements with RIte Care health plans to reflect complete responsibility for the management of psychiatric hospitalizations, specifically the development of hospital diversion and post discharge services; and the utilization of crisis intervention services as a requirement for authorization of a psychiatric admission for all children enrolled in RIte Care; and
(2)
Issue a request for proposals to identify a contracted entity to reflect complete responsibility for the management of psychiatric hospitalizations, specifically the development of hospital diversion and post discharge services for crisis intervention services as a requirement for authorization of a psychiatric admission for all Medicaid-eligible children not enrolled in RIte Care. The request for proposals shall include a dispute resolution process.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 400, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 1, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-5.3. - Accreditation.

§ 42-72-5.3. Accreditation.
(a)
The standards set by the Council on Accreditation (COA) are nationally recognized as best practices for protecting and providing services to abused and neglected children;
(b)
Achieving and maintaining these standards requires a solid commitment from the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government;
(c)
It is the intent of the general assembly to provide the resources for the department of children, youth and families to meet, achieve and sustain accreditation by the Council on Accreditation;
(d)
The department of children, youth and families shall initiate the process for seeking COA accreditation no later than September 1, 2019, and shall submit an accreditation plan to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the chairperson of the house committee on health, education and welfare, the chairperson of the senate committee on health and human services, the chairpersons of the finance committees of the house and senate, and to the chairpersons of the judiciary committees of the house and senate no later than October 1, 2020. Said plan shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1)
Inputs, including updated staffing requirements, a timetable for achieving those requirements, and any additional costs associated with achieving accreditation;
(2)
Outcomes, including an assessment based on statistical and other evidence, of the impact of accreditation on the number of abused and neglected children, the nature of their abuse, and the relationships between such children and their families.
(e)
[Deleted by P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 13, § 15].
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 130, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 134, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 13, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-6. - Deputies and administrators.

§ 42-72-6. Deputies and administrators.
The director may appoint and may remove any executive directors, deputy directors and administrators as the director deems advisable; provided, however, that all assistant directors, associate directors or executive directors shall have a masters degree in social work (M.S.W.) or in a closely related human service field, and have demonstrated competence in juvenile justice, and/or children’s mental health and/or child welfare as appropriate to their responsibilities. Any executive director, deputy director, or assistant director and administrator appointed for administrative and support services shall have a masters degree in a discipline appropriate to their responsibilities and demonstrated competence in child welfare or children’s mental health or juvenile justice management or administration of programs for children as appropriate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 343, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-7. - Central registry.

§ 42-72-7. Central registry.
(a)
There shall be established a central registry within the department responsible for the collection, receipt, dissemination, reporting, and maintenance of all files relating to children under the jurisdiction of this chapter. The central registry will be the main repository for all case files, shall establish uniform forms and standards for data acquisition and transmission, and shall take all necessary precautions to assure confidentiality of records protected by this chapter.
(b)
Any request for information, assistance, and investigation of complaints must be registered with the central registry in order to assure the elimination of duplication and for the purpose of gathering statistical data in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-9. - Regional service centers.

§ 42-72-9. Regional service centers.
There shall be established as many regional or local service centers as may be deemed necessary by the director. Factors to be included in the determination are population density, travel time, and degree of correspondence to the geographic jurisdictions of other agencies. Each designated regional service center shall have an intake service capacity, child protective service capacity and shall have the responsibility of responding to requests for information, assistance, and investigation of complaints initiated within its geographic jurisdiction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-10. - Development of service plan.

§ 42-72-10. Development of service plan.
(a)
A written service plan for care and treatment shall be prepared for each child under the department’s supervision. The service plan shall include, but not be limited to, a statement of the needs of each child together with the proposed treatment and placement. The service plan for treatment and placement of each child shall be reviewed at least every six (6) months to evaluate whether the service plan is in the best interest of the child and is also cost effective.
(b)
The child’s health and safety shall be the paramount concern in making reasonable efforts toward reunification with parent(s).
(c)
If the plan is one for adoption or placement in another permanent home, the plan shall include documentation of the steps the department is taking to find an adoptive family or other permanent placement, to place the child in such a family or placement, and to finalize permanency. The plan must specify the type of recruitment efforts, such as the use of state, regional, and national adoption exchanges, including electronic adoption exchanges.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 87, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-11. - Protective services.

§ 42-72-11. Protective services.
In furtherance of the purposes and duties imposed by this chapter, and in order to implement the procedures of the Rhode Island Child Abuse and Neglect Act contained in chapter 11 of title 40, the department shall provide protective services for children. The department shall:
(1)
In cases in which reasonable efforts are required pursuant to § 15-7-7 or § 40-11-12.2, mobilize the services available in cases of child abuse and neglect which may assist the child and the child’s family including, but not limited to, day care, homemaking services, medical attention, social, psychological, and psychiatric evaluation and treatment, emergency shelters, transportation, individual or group counseling, and information and referral;
(2)
Establish procedures for administering purchase of service agreements from community and private agencies;
(3)
Develop a policy and procedure manual to be available to all staff workers; and
(4)
Require that the service plan developed for every child under protective care be geared to finding a permanent plan for the child within a time frame of one year, and require a review and evaluation program for all children for whom a plan has been developed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 87, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-13. - Liability for support of committed children.

§ 42-72-13. Liability for support of committed children.
(a)
The department, within available appropriations, shall pay for the support and maintenance of any child in residence, in any of the department’s institutions or facilities or in transit from one institution or facility to another, whether public or private, under a purchase of services agreement. Nothing in this section shall exempt any person from liability of support of children under the supervision of the department when otherwise provided by law, or prohibit the department from charging fees for services in appropriate cases.
(b)
Whenever possible, the department shall notify the person liable for the support and maintenance of the child of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 38, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-16. - Transfer of powers from department of human services.

§ 42-72-16. Transfer of powers from department of human services.
There are hereby transferred to the director of children, youth, and families:
(1)
Those functions of the department of human services which were administered through or with respect to the division of community services to include generally and specifically the administration of child welfare services in chapters: 11 of title 40, abused and neglected children; 15 of title 40, interstate compact on the treatment of children; 9 of title 11, children; 1 of title 14, proceedings in family court; 3 of title 14, orphanages; 4 of title 14, O’Rourke Children’s Center; and 7 of title 15, adoptions;
(2)
All functions of the division of community services relating to children and their families as set forth in subdivision (1) and all officers, employees, agencies, advisory councils, committees, commissions, and task forces of the division of community services; and
(3)
So much of other functions or parts of functions and employees and resources, physical and funded, related thereto of the director of the department of human services as are incidental to and necessary for the performance of the functions transferred by subdivisions (1) and (2).
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-17. - Transfer of functions from department of corrections.

§ 42-72-17. Transfer of functions from department of corrections.
There are transferred to the director of children, youth, and families:
(1)
Those functions of the department of corrections which were administered through or with respect to the division of youth services and the division of field services to include generally and specifically juvenile diagnostic service: chapter 56 of this title, the department of corrections and chapter 18 of title 12;
(2)
All functions of the divisions of youth services and field services of the department of corrections and all officers, employees, agencies, advisory councils, committees, commissions, and task forces relating to children and their families of the divisions of youth services and field services; and
(3)
So much of other functions or parts of functions and employees and resources, physical and funded, related thereto of the director of the department of corrections, as are incidental to and necessary for the performance of the functions transferred by subdivisions (1) and (2).
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 93.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-17.1. - Location of facilities.

§ 42-72-17.1. Location of facilities.
No facility or portion of a facility of the “Rhode Island Training School for Youth” shall be located on any portion of the property within the city of Cranston known as the John O. Pastore Center as described in § 22-7.4-34 which is south of Howard Avenue, so called.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 422, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-17.2. - Limits to population at the youth development center and the youth assessment center.

§ 42-72-17.2. Limits to population at the youth development center and the youth assessment center.
(a)
The Rhode Island training school shall consist of a youth development center, a youth assessment center and a female correctional treatment facility. The youth development center and the youth assessment center shall not exceed a maximum daily capacity of one hundred forty-eight (148) detained and/or adjudicated males. The female correctional treatment facility shall not exceed a maximum daily capacity of twelve (12) detained and/or adjudicated females.
(b)
The director of the department of children, youth and families shall notify the chief judge of the family court whenever the census of the detained and/or adjudicated male youth or of the detained and/or adjudicated female youth approaches ninety-five percent (95%) of maximum population capacity. The training school superintendent or his or her designee shall thereupon refer to the family court, for consideration for release from the training school, those youth who do not pose a credible risk of harm to self or others or for whom there is no substantial risk that the youth may leave the jurisdiction of the state.
(c)
Following a hearing, the family court shall authorize the release of such youth from the training school, 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.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 12, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-18. - Transfer of functions from department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

§ 42-72-18. Transfer of functions from department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
There are transferred to the director of the department of children, youth, and families:
(1)
Those children and youth functions and services of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals administered through or with respect to the division of curative services excluding the pediatric unit of Zambarano Hospital but including generally and specifically components within the institute of mental health and “services for emotionally disturbed children” in chapter 7 of title 40.1, services for emotionally disturbed children and of all officers, employees, agencies, advisory councils, committees, and commissions relating to children and youth services of the division of curative services; provided, further, that the director shall establish a task force to determine the feasibility of transferring to the department of children, youth, and families, those functions relating to children within the division of developmental disabilities; and
(2)
So much of other functions or parts of functions and employees and resources, physical and funded, related thereto, of the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals as are incidental to and necessary for the performance of subdivision (1).
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-19. - Transfer of functions from department of community affairs.

§ 42-72-19. Transfer of functions from department of community affairs.
There are transferred to the director of children, youth, and families:
(1)
Those functions of the department of community affairs which were administered through or with respect to the division of youth development and of all officers, employees, agencies, advisory councils, committees, and commissions relating to children and youth services of the division of youth development.
(2)
So much of other functions or parts of functions and employees and resources related thereto of the director of the department of community affairs as are incidental and necessary for the performance of subdivision (1).
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-20. - Transfer determinations.

§ 42-72-20. Transfer determinations.
(a)
The director of administration, with the approval of the governor, shall make the conclusive determination of the number of positions, personnel, property, records, and appropriation balances, allocations and other funds of the department of human services, department of corrections, department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, and department of community affairs to be transferred to the department of children, youth, and families in connection with the functions transferred by the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
Any further measures and dispositions that the director of administration, with the approval of the governor, deems necessary in order to effectuate the transfer of functions provided in this chapter shall be carried out as the director may direct and by the agencies the director designates.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-21. - Continuity of administrative functions.

§ 42-72-21. Continuity of administrative functions.
In order to insure continuity of the administrative business of the state, the actual transfer of functions, or any part thereof, to the department of children, youth, and families from the department of human services, department of corrections, department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, and department of community affairs may be postponed after January 1, 1980, until a time as, by executive order of the governor, the transfer can be put into force and effect.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-22. - Reorganization within department.

§ 42-72-22. Reorganization within department.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, any division or unit or agency within the department of children, youth, and families, however entitled or described, may at any time be reorganized, divided, consolidated, abolished, or otherwise reconstituted by the director, with the approval of the governor, as may be desirable for the proper administration and performance of the powers, functions, and duties assigned to the department.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-23. - Preservation of rights and remedies.

§ 42-72-23. Preservation of rights and remedies.
The abolition of any department or transfer of any function as provided in this chapter shall not impair the obligation of any contract or agreement nor abate any suit, action or other proceeding lawfully commenced by or against the head of any agency or officer of the state in his or her official capacity or in relation to the discharge of his or her official duties, but the court may, on motion filed within twelve (12) months after the chapter takes effect, allow the suit, action, or proceeding to be maintained by or against the successor of the head or officer under the reorganization effected by the plan or, if there be no successor, against the agency or officer which succeeded to the function transferred by the chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-24. - Law revision by law revision office of the joint committee on legislative services.

§ 42-72-24. Law revision by law revision office of the joint committee on legislative services.
All general and public laws affected by this chapter shall be revised, amended, consolidated and conformed by the law revision office of the joint committee on legislative services. Wherever in general and public laws reference is made to the functions of the department of human services, the department of corrections, the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, and the department of community affairs which are transferred to the department of children, youth, and families, the law revision office of the joint committee on legislative services shall revise, amend, consolidate, and conform those references to the plan to effectuate the purpose and intent of the plan. General and public laws, when so revised, amended, consolidated, and conformed, shall be published in the general and public laws as provided by chapter 134 of the Public Laws, 1969.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-25. - Relations with other governmental agencies.

§ 42-72-25. Relations with other governmental agencies.
The department is authorized to cooperate with the appropriate agencies of the federal government, this state or other states, and regional and local agencies in the planning, design and implementation of any programs and facilities necessary to implement this chapter. The department is authorized to apply for and accept funds from federal and regional agencies to carry out any of its functions, and to contract with the federal government and regional agencies concerning the use and disposition of the funds.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-26. - Assumption of duties.

§ 42-72-26. Assumption of duties.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the director, assuming any duties formerly imposed upon any other department, division, board, commission, or other agency, shall perform those duties, notwithstanding that they were formerly performed by a board, commission, or single officer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-27. - Liberal construction.

§ 42-72-27. Liberal construction.
This chapter shall be liberally construed in aid of its declared purposes, the primary purpose of which is the coordination and integration of functions relating to children within one department and the allocation of these functions to the department established by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-72 - Department of Children, Youth and Families › Section 42-72-28. - Severability.

§ 42-72-28. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or of any rule or regulation made under this chapter, or the application of this chapter to any person or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the chapter, rule, or regulation and the application of that provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by the invalidity. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 248, § 1.