DCYF reports death of an 18-year-old in the system

The incident happened Wednesday

• An 18-year-old involved with the state childcare system has died, according to Rhode Island’s Department of Children, Youth & Families.
• The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 11, but confidentiality laws prevent the release of further details.
• The Office of the Child Advocate has been notified of the fatality as required by state law.

The Department of Children, Youth & Families has disclosed the fatality of an 18-year-old youth who was involved with the state childcare system.

The incident happened on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

The DCYF said it has notified the Office of the Child Advocate, as required by law. The Office of the State Child Advocate’s mission is “to protect the legal rights of children in State care and to promote policies and practices which ensure that children are safe, that children have permanent and stable families, and that children in out of home placements have their physical, mental, medical, educational, emotional, and behavioral needs met,” according to its mission statement.

The DCYF said confidentiality laws prohibit it from disclosing additional details.

“We encourage any family needing support to reach out to our Family Support Line for information on resources and support at 1-888-RI-FAMLY (1-888-743-2659),” the agency said.

“DCYF’s highest priority is the safety and well-being of all children,” the state agency said.

Rhode Islanders are required by law to report known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to DCYF within 24 hours, the agency said. Call 1-800-RI-CHILD (1-800-742-4453) to report known or suspected cases of child abuse.