Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families
The Department was established by the state legislature in 1980 by merging children's programs previously administered by 4 different state agencies. The Director of DCYF is also a member of the RI Children's Cabinet, which addresses cross-departmental issues relating to children’s needs and services. We are one of a small group of states that integrate the 3 major public responsibilities for troubled children, youth and families in one agency: Child Welfare, Children's Behavioral Health, and Juvenile Corrections.

It is the mission of DCYF to assist families with their primary responsibility to raise their children to become productive members of society. We recognize our obligations to promote, safeguard and protect the overall well-being of culturally diverse children, youth and families and the communities in which they live through a partnership with families, communities and government.

Go to the RI DCYF website »