This bill amends Section 42-72-5 of the General Laws to clarify the powers and scope of activities of the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). The amendment specifies that the DCYF is responsible for planning, developing, and evaluating a comprehensive program of services for children, including prevention, early intervention, placement, care and treatment, and after-care programs. It also requires the DCYF to notify and cooperate with the state and local police departments when investigating a complaint of sexual assault on a minor.

The amendment authorizes the director of the DCYF to establish administrative and operational divisions, assign tasks to staff members, establish emergency treatment and relocation plans for abused or neglected children, and establish and evaluate protective services for children. It also requires the DCYF to conduct comprehensive needs assessments every two years to evaluate the department's programs and services, assess client accessibility, and collect data to develop goals and objectives. The amendment establishes a committee to advise the entity conducting the assessments and requires the DCYF to post the assessment report on its website and submit it to the governor, the senate president, the speaker of the house, and the child advocate.

Statutes affected:
1011  SUB A: 42-72-5
1011: 42-72-5