The following new and revised DCYF policies are effective December 29, 2006. These rules were advertised for promulgation in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act (Title 42, Chapter 35 of the Rhode Island General Laws) on October 19, 2006 and a Public Hearing was held on November 14, 2006.
Implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act - Revised rule reflects the principles of family centered practice and is consistent with the mandates of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) (PL 95-608) ensuring services provided to Indian families are culturally relevant.
Early Intervention Referral Process for Children Involved with DCYF - New rule provides that all children under the age of three (3) who are victims of indicated child abuse or neglect are screened for Early Intervention (EI) services in compliance with the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (PL 108-36).
Collaboration Between DCYF and DHS to Improve Services for Dual-System Families - Revised rule reflects how the Departments will collaborate on the delivery of casework services and coordinate activities required of parents in their DHS Family Independence Program (FIP) Employment Plans and DCYF Service Plans.
Reporting Child Abuse and/or Neglect - Revised rule, in compliance with RIGL 40-11-2, now includes in the definition of "person responsible for child's welfare" “any individual, eighteen (18) years of age or older, who resides in the home of a parent or guardian and has unsupervised access to a child.
Foster Care Review - Revised rule reflects current law and principles of Family Centered Practice.
Criteria for a Child Protective Services Investigation - Revised rule provides that DCYF will issue an alert to area hospitals when it is believed that there may be risk of harm to a child born to a parent with a history of substantiated child abuse or neglect or a child abuse/neglect conviction and will investigate the situation upon the birth of the infant to ensure the safety of the child.
Information/Referral (I/R) Reports - Revised rule provides a process for handling a report made to the Child Protective Services Hotline that contains a concern about the well-being of a child but does not meet the criteria for an investigation.
If you have any questions or concerns relating to this distribution, please contact Dorothy Hultine, Chief of Practice Standards by phone (528-3581) or through e-mail (Dorothy.Hultine@dcyf.ri.gov).