Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 214 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 214 is entirely dedicated to the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). This title contains the administrative rules and regulations that govern the operations, services, and responsibilities of the DCYF in Rhode Island.
The mission of the Rhode Island DCYF is to build a system of care where every child grows up in a safe and loving family environment that supports the development of strong, resilient families throughout the state of Rhode Island. They are responsible for supporting children and their families involved in child protection, behavioral health, and juvenile justice.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas typically covered within Title 214:
Chapter 10: General Administration and Management: This chapter likely contains foundational rules for the DCYF's internal operations, administrative procedures, public records, and general policies.
Chapter 20: Child Protective Services (CPS): This is a critical area, outlining the procedures for receiving, screening, investigating, and responding to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. It covers:
Definitions of abuse and neglect.
Protocols for investigations.
Timelines for response.
Documentation requirements.
Safety planning for children.
Chapter 30: Case Management: This chapter details the processes and standards for managing cases involving children and families under DCYF's care. This includes:
Development and review of service plans for children and families.
Permanency planning goals (e.g., reunification, adoption, guardianship).
Visitation policies for children in out-of-home care.
Procedures for case reviews and court involvement.
Chapter 40: Licensing: This is a crucial chapter, as it sets forth the regulations for licensing and monitoring various facilities and individuals providing care to children and youth. This includes:
Foster Care and Adoption Regulations for Licensure: Rules for approving and regulating foster and adoptive homes, including background checks, home study requirements, training, and ongoing supervision.
Residential Child Care Regulations for Licensure: Standards for licensing residential facilities that provide care for children, covering areas like safety, staffing ratios, programming, behavior management policies, and resident rights.
Child Placing Regulations: Rules for agencies that place children into foster or adoptive homes.
Regulations for other specialized services, such as mental health emergency service interventions.
Chapter 50: Legal: This chapter likely covers legal procedures, confidentiality rules, information sharing protocols, and the rights of children and families involved with DCYF.
Chapter 60: Training School: This chapter would specifically address the regulations for the Rhode Island Training School, which is the state's juvenile correctional facility. It would cover:
Rules for the care, custody, and rehabilitation of youth placed there.
Safety and security protocols.
Educational and behavioral health services provided.
Staffing and training requirements.
Chapter 70: Probation and Parole (for juveniles): This chapter outlines the regulations governing the supervision of youth on juvenile probation and parole, aiming to promote rehabilitation and public safety.
The DCYF, through these regulations, provides a wide range of services, including:
Child Protective Services: Investigation of abuse and neglect.
Foster Care: Providing temporary safe homes for children who cannot remain with their families.
Adoption Services: Facilitating permanent homes for children through adoption.
Family Services: Providing support and interventions to families to prevent child removal or achieve reunification.
Children's Behavioral Health Services: Developing and overseeing a continuum of behavioral health services for children and youth.
Juvenile Justice Services: Operating the Rhode Island Training School and juvenile probation services.
Family Care Community Partnerships (FCCPs): Community-based programs aimed at prevention and supporting families at risk of DCYF involvement.
In essence, Title 214 of the Rhode Island Code of Regulations serves as the comprehensive legal framework that empowers the DCYF to protect vulnerable children, strengthen families, and ensure the well-being and development of youth across the state.
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