Address Basic Needs and Safety Issues to Strengthen and Support Families

Income Supports HB5683/SB226: Increases RI Works cash benefit to 50% of the federal poverty level to lift children out of deep poverty, extends annual clothing allowance to infants and toddlers, and makes changes to ensure the long-term economic stability of families. The benefit has not been increased in 30 years and is the lowest in the region.

First Connections and Family Visiting Budget Article 12, Section 8 (j)(k): Seeks federal matching funds to expand (j) the First Connections Program, a risk assessment and response home visiting program to support prenatal women, and (k) Parents as Teachers, to ensure that parents of young children connect with medical and social supports. Note: RICCF supports the application of this provision to all Family Visiting Programs.

Housing Production and Preservation HB5687/SB365 and Budget Article 16, Section 6: Provides that a portion of the real estate conveyance tax be used to create a dedicated funding stream of at least $8 million per year to support the production and preservation of long-term affordable homes.

Ensure the Strength and Viability of the Public-Private Human Services and Healthcare Systems through Comprehensive Rate Setting with State Agencies and for Public and Commercial Insurers

DCYF and Community Providers Adequately Resourced FY ’22 Proposed DCYF Budget and Article 4, Section 6: RICCF supports the FY ’22 DCYF Budget and investments to modernize the Child Welfare Information System. Furthermore, RICCF proposes a 15% increase for FY ’22 for contracts with community providers for services to prevent removal of children, support foster parents and biological families, provide residential care and treatment for youth, reunify families, or transition youth to adoption, guardianship, or independence.

Behavioral Health System HB5546/HB6268/SB591: Increases reimbursement rates for behavioral health providers by 23.5% over five years.

Ensure a Comprehensive, Equitable and Accessible System of Care for Children and their Families

Behavioral Health Access HB6032/SB004 Sub A as amended: Amends the provisions of the telemedicine coverage act and provides coverage for telemedicine under Rhode Island Medicaid.

Foster Care Youth Education Data Collection HB5157: Provides that every Superintendent of Schools create an annual report on the progress, status of academic achievement of foster care youth.

Trauma-Informed School H5936/SB179: Establishes the implementation of trauma-informed practices in schools throughout the state.

Preservation of Families with Disabled Parents HB5394/SB056: A parent’s disability, as defined, will not constitute sole grounds to initiate an investigation or a finding of child abuse or neglect provided nothing in this section shall [specific exceptions for harm, threat of harm, or impending threat or actual danger].