Governor Raimondo and DCYF have proposed a “voluntary” cut of 12% in current residential treatment reimbursement rates for traumatized youth and a $4.4 million reduction in residential treatment funding for the new fiscal year. The Governor and her administration apparently have forgotten the fact that these rates were negotiated less than a year ago, in part due to new licensing regulations that she implemented. These cuts will threaten our ability to provide safe care for these traumatized youth.
Child & Family has been a leader in Rhode Island in protecting children and strengthening families for 151 years. Through the dedication of our Board, volunteers, staff and great foster parents, for the first time in our history we serve more children in foster homes than in group homes. Child & Family has led these reforms as we have cut in half the number of youth served in group homes over the past five years.
Responsible government contracting will enable us to continue these reforms. We urge the Governor to honor rate changes that her administration agreed to last year. Selective memory and misplaced blame will not save money or improve the child welfare system.
Marty Sinnott
President & CEO, Child & Family
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