Services to Youth Ages 18-21

Regulation Authority:

42-72-5

Purpose and Reason:

The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families is responsible for the delivery of appropriate mental health services to children with serious emotional disturbance and/or functional developmental disabilities as defined in RIGL 42-72-5 and to provide aftercare services and supports to youth between the ages of 18 through 21 who were formerly in foster care. This rule provides a process for eligible youth to access after care services.

Brief statement of Reason for Finding Imminent Peril:

Pursuant to the Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008, any youth who is alleged to have been dependant, neglected and/or abused and who has been in the care of the Department of Children, Youth and Families is entitled to receive after care services from Department of Children, Youth and Families is entitled to receive after care services from DCYF on or after the youth’s 18th birthday. The emergency regulations provide a process for such youth to access after care services. The regulations are necessary to ensure that the basic needs of such youth are met through the administration of an after-care program.