Strengthening Rhode Island’s Support System for Children and Families
Across Rhode Island and the nation, the stability of services that support children and families is at risk. The uncertainty of federal funding, inflation-driven budget constraints, and shifting policy priorities have placed many vital programs on precarious footing. For families already struggling with economic instability, mental health challenges, and access to education and childcare, these disruptions could have long-term consequences.
The pandemic magnified many of these challenges, exposing cracks in our safety net and deepening pre-existing disparities. In Rhode Island, nearly one in three children experience at least one Adverse Childhood Experience, such as economic hardship, parental divorce, or substance use in the home, placing them at greater risk for long-term mental health issues. The youth mental health crisis has intensified, with psychiatric-related emergency department visits for children increasing by 84 percent between 2019 and 2022.
Schools continue to feel the impact of prolonged learning disruptions. Chronic absenteeism has surged, with 24.7 percent of Rhode Island students classified as chronically absent in the 2023-2024 school year—nearly double pre-pandemic rates. Absenteeism is even higher among students from low-income families, multilingual learners, and children with disabilities, deepening academic and social-emotional disparities. Additionally, Rhode Island’s child welfare system faces growing strain, with over 1,653 children in the care of The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), amidst an ongoing need for more licensed foster families to provide stable, supportive homes.
Even in the face of these challenges, there are proven strategies that help strengthen families and keep children safe. Rhode Island has invested in community-based partnerships that focus on prevention, early intervention, and family stabilization. DCYF plays a critical role in these efforts, working alongside local agencies to ensure children and families receive the services they need. Programs focused on early intervention help families access mental health support, housing assistance, and crisis intervention before situations escalate. Research shows that families receiving early intervention services, such as home visiting programs, are 50 percent less likely to have child protective services involvement, significantly reducing instances of abuse and neglect.
Similarly, expanding behavioral health services in schools has had a measurable impact. Rhode Island schools that have implemented school-based mental health programs have reported a 21 percent decrease in disciplinary incidents and improved academic performance among students receiving services. These initiatives not only address immediate mental health needs but also help students stay engaged in school and build emotional resilience.
Foster and adoptive family support programs have also proven effective. Children placed with families receiving targeted foster care support services are 40 percent less likely to experience placement disruptions, ensuring greater stability and improved outcomes. Rhode Island’s collaborative approach—pairing foster families with community-based resources, training, and respite care—has helped keep more children in safe and supportive home environments.
Looking ahead to 2025, Rhode Island must build on these successes while addressing new and persistent challenges. The rising demand for mental health support requires sustained investment in accessible behavioral health services, both in schools and in communities. Ensuring that school districts have the resources to tackle chronic absenteeism—through mentoring, family engagement programs, and mental health supports—will be critical in reversing the academic setbacks caused by the pandemic. Expanding early intervention programs, such as home visiting services for new parents and economic assistance initiatives, will also help stabilize families and prevent crises before they arise.
The challenges facing Rhode Island’s children and families cannot be solved by any single agency or organization. A coordinated effort between DCYF, community organizations, schools, and healthcare providers is necessary to ensure every child has access to the support they need to thrive. Strengthening these partnerships and prioritizing proactive, prevention-based solutions will create a more resilient, responsive system of care. When we invest in the well-being of our children and families, we are investing in Rhode Island’s future—one where every child has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and build a brighter tomorrow.
