The bill amends Section 16-64-1.1 of the General Laws regarding the education of children placed in foster care, group homes, or other residential facilities by Rhode Island state agencies. It establishes that children placed in these settings are entitled to the same free, appropriate public education as other residents in the city or town where they are placed. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and local school districts regarding educational costs.

A significant change introduced by the bill is the provision that, effective June 30, 2025, neither the East Providence public schools nor the city of East Providence will be responsible for providing educational services or financial support for students attending the Children's Residential and Family Treatment (CRAFT) program. Instead, the responsibility will fall on the school district of origin, which is defined as the district where the student was last registered prior to admission to the CRAFT program. Additionally, the East Providence school district will not receive reimbursement for these students as provided in this statute. This amendment aims to clarify financial responsibilities related to the education of students in the CRAFT program.

Statutes affected:
113: 16-64-1.1
113  SUB A: 16-64-1.1