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
Juvenile
Corrections