Rhode Island Child Advocate Office Calls For DCYF Changes

The Rhode Island Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) recommended that the state Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) make immediate changes to increase child safety. The recommendation was issued in a report by a Child Fatality Review Panel that was convened in April 2017 to investigate two fatalities and four near fatalities of children known to DCYF. The OYA is a watchdog over DCYF. The OYA recommended that DCYF investigators make home visits when maltreatment reports involve a child under age six. Additionally, in cases where a parent’s mental health status is a factor, DCYF should verify . . .