RI agrees to consent decree for children with behavioral health disabilities

Rhode Island has reached an agreement with federal authorities to resolve violations of disability laws.
Rather than implementing community-based or intensive in-home care, the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) heavily relied on hospitalization. Given five years under the decree to change how they approach the treatment of these children, the state will ensure care is delivered in homes and communities going forward.
Direct compliance will be overseen by a court-appointed monitor and a federal judge.
During a press conference, Zachary A. Cunha, U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island, detailed the findings that Rhode Island unnecessarily segregated children with these disabilities at Bradley Hospital in East Providence...