RI Office of the Child Advocate

The Office of the Child Advocate serves as the oversight agency to the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families.

[RI Office of the Child Advocate @ChildAdvocateRI]

In response to U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit denial to the emergency motion filed prevent the transfer of children’s medical records to a federal court, the Child Advocate, Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island, Democracy Forward, and ACLU Rhode Island released the following statement:

"While we are disappointed in this result, this decision is not the end of our fight to protect Rhode Island children’s medical privacy. We know that even if the DOJ is not receiving these records now, the uncertainty generated by this ongoing legal battle has been harmful. We will do everything in our power to protect the privacy, dignity, and constitutional rights of the children in our state."

Press Release: https://t.co/Hoiaww50PI

[RI Office of the Child Advocate @ChildAdvocateRI]

A must read! Thank you to @kmulvane for highlighting the Foster Care Youth Scholarship Program, the experiences of students in the program, Lisa Hoopis' strong engagement with students, and the critical need for educational supports for students with lived experience in state care!

[Katie Mulvaney @kmulvane]

From chaos to college, this RI program is a 'game changer' for foster kids https://t.co/veAJIrgrgd via @projo

[Providence Journal @projo]

An advisory from the surgeon general's office released May 20 outlines the harms for screen time among youth and offers ways to promote healthy use. https://t.co/vpEJSgLV0c

[Adoption Rhode Island @AdoptionRI]

The Hope Scholars Initiative is awarding $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, & Woonsocket. Applications are due by July 3, 2026. To apply, visit https://t.co/JbLGA6JH3Y
#Scholarships #RhodeIsland #ClassOf2026 #College #FinancialAid

[RI Office of the Child Advocate @ChildAdvocateRI]

The OCA is happy to share that the @RIHouseofReps passed House Bill 8362 yesterday! Thank you to Representative @JulieCasimiroRI for sponsoring this bill and your fierce advocacy to strengthen academic achievement and outcomes for students in foster care!👏

[Rhode Island House of Representatives @RIHouseofReps]

The House today passed legislation introduced by Rep. @JulieCasimiroRI that would expand academic reporting requirements for foster care youth.

“We all know that the academic progress and success of children in foster care significantly trails behind those of other students.  This bill will expand the required reporting on our foster care youth’s academics with the hope of uplifting their educational performance and outcomes before it’s too late,” said Representative Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter).

More information: https://t.co/yFBB4qG0fK

[Steph Machado @StephMachado]

The RI Child Advocate is now asking the First Circuit Court of Appeals to block Rhode Island Hospital from releasing these medical records by 10 p.m. tonight.

The Texas judge wants the records by midnight Central Time (1 a.m. Eastern)
https://t.co/pS3aAul0LK

[Providence Journal @projo]

RI judge slams DOJ over probe of gender-affirming care at RI Hospital https://t.co/oAt3wuTcHG

[RI BHDDH @RIBHDDH]

Kids may mistake marijuana-infused edibles (like gummies) for candy or regular food. Put all marijuana products in a locked container and keep them out of reach from children. Prevent Poisonings by ordering a free, safe storage lock bag at: https://t.co/txlbuqXn0r
#RIPrevention

[SAMHSA @samhsagov]

Today is National #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay! For nearly 20 years, SAMHSA has recognized Children’s Mental Health Day to bring attention to the mental health needs of children and young people. Learn more: https://t.co/YOaTrujbO8

[RI Office of the Child Advocate @ChildAdvocateRI]

@FamilyServiceRI is hiring! 📢

From their Facebook page:
Every young person deserves someone in their corner.

As a Care Coordinator at Family Service of Rhode Island, you’ll be that person—building connections, coordinating care, and advocating for young adults as they navigate complex systems and services. From collaborating with DCYF and schools to ensuring access to healthcare and community supports, your work will help shape brighter futures.

Ready to make an impact every day?

👉 Join our team and apply now. https://t.co/i1uCIjvmk8

[RI Office of the Child Advocate @ChildAdvocateRI]

Thank you @RIACLU and Lawyers' Committee for Rhode Island for all you are doing to to protect the constitutional privacy rights of Rhode Island’s children!

https://t.co/dp85lDhVac

[RI Office of the Child Advocate @ChildAdvocateRI]

The OCA is thrilled to attend the 2026 @RIKidsCount #RIFactbook Breakfast this morning! Looking forward to all the valuable new data they report out annually which informs our advocacy for children, youth, and families! 📊 🫂

[RI Office of the Child Advocate @ChildAdvocateRI]

"State child welfare agencies often intercept federal benefits, such as Social Security survivor benefits earned through a deceased parent’s lifetime contributions, that are intended for a child in foster care. Agencies then use these funds to reimburse their own costs," (ACF, 2025).

Nationally and in Rhode Island, young people in state care who are receiving federal benefits deserve to have those funds protected to support their future. Preserving these benefits could be life-changing when youth exit state care to return home, achieve permanency, or reach independence.

Protecting financial benefits of youth in state care must happen now and your support is needed to make it happen!

How you can help:
🔍 Find your State Representative and Senator: https://t.co/fdO8TWYPNk
📧 Advocate about the urgent need to reform this practice
📢 Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about the importance of protecting these benefits for youth in state care

If you need additional information or have questions, feel free to call our office at: 401-462-4300.
@RIHouseofReps @RISenate
@JulieCasimiroRI @pam_lauria @CAIChildLaw

[Katie Mulvaney @kmulvane]

Foster kids are entitled to benefits. For years, RI has been pocketing the money. https://t.co/x5pyP8saBT via @projo

[RI Office of the Child Advocate @ChildAdvocateRI]

Are you a Rhode Island Parent of a Child who is Medically or Emotionally Complex? If so, please take this quick 5-minute survey! Senator DiPalma and Deanna Dugan Conley are working to bring a Home and Hospital Learning Program to RI to better support students who are hospitalized or homebound during the school year. Your input is valuable! 🏫

https://t.co/M3RF9KCxqp

[RI Office of the Child Advocate @ChildAdvocateRI]

Yesterday, the OCA learned about an incredible resource for young people in New England called TradesUp Initiative!

TradesUp Initiative is a non-profit organization serving marginalized students with the resources and support they need to succeed in the technical trade industry.

Under the direction of Founder Marc Lopes, young people receive hands-on training, mentorship, and career development to empower the next generation of skilled workers.👨‍🏭

To learn more, visit: https://t.co/dtLSO4OaFk

[SAMHSA @samhsagov]

Remember: There is no health without mental health!
#WorldHealthDay

#MentalHealth is just as important as physical health, and asking for help is a normal part of life. You should never feel like you have to take on the world 🌎 alone ➡️ https://t.co/c5LmYsxeew

[World Health Organization (WHO) @WHO]

Today is #WorldAutismDay.

1 in 160 👧👦 has an autism spectrum disorder .

🌏🌍🌎, people with autism are often subject to stigma, discrimination and human rights violations. This needs to stop!

[SAMHSA @samhsagov]

April is #AlcoholAwarenessMonth—a time to raise awareness of alcohol use & misuse. Find helpful resources on alcohol use & misuse prevention, treatment & recovery support that you & your community can use: https://t.co/UA0ebR18eE

[RI BHDDH @RIBHDDH]

April is Alcohol Awareness Month - a great opportunity to talk to your teen about the effects of underage alcohol use. Remember to follow the Social Host Law by not buying, providing, or supplying alcohol to anyone under 21 and keep our kids safe.
https://t.co/z3s1ohMcoF

[SkillsRI @SkillsforRI]

Don't miss out! @NEInstituteTech Automotive Technician training starts April 6. 15 spots available.

Apply now: https://t.co/FLHdd999mL

#NewEnglandTech #SkillsRI #CareerTraining #AutoCareers #RhodeIsland