Most states provide services and support to families and children with mental health needs through different state agencies. For the most up-to-date information of agencies’ services and programs, visit their websites. You can also contact an advocacy organization to get more information on the programs and services that may be available to you.
The State of Rhode Island provides services and support through the following state agencies:
The programs and services offered by state agencies are constantly changing and shifting.
The types of professionals who work at state agencies vary from agency to agency. They may include program administrators, service professionals, health and education professionals, case workers, etc.—all depending on the person’s specific role within the agency.
State agencies offer evaluations through the various programs and services that they fund on the community level.
State agencies implement and oversee legislative mandates and federal or state regulations. In addition, these agencies fund different programs and services at the state or local level.
Depending on the agency and program, state agencies can work directly with pediatricians, mental health specialists, the school system, and community organizations.
State agencies are large and difficult to navigate. The best way to access their services is to start with the local community programs.
The following information explains state agency divisions, offices, services, and programs that relate to children’s mental health. For a more comprehensive list of all the divisions, offices, services, or programs of the different agencies, visit their websites, which are listed at the end of each description.
DCYF is the state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the health, well-being, and development of children and their families. The four major divisions provided by DCYF related to children’s mental health are:
In Rhode Island, DCYF is known to be the state agency that is involved with child welfare and child custody issues. However, DCYF also has different programs and services that seek to promote the well-being of children (to prevent them from ever having to be placed outside the home). These programs include family-based programs, children and youth programs, and adolescent programs.
The primary mission of RIDE is to oversee public education programs in Rhode Island for children, ages 3 to 21. This mission includes providing appropriate services to advance the education of children with special needs.
RIDE’s Office of Special Populations monitors a number of services that are administered by individual school districts. After a child is evaluated at their school, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may be developed. This plan may include education and psychological testing, placement in specialty schools, and transition planning. Learn more about the school system's role or contact your child’s school.
RIDE regularly monitors a school district’s compliance with state and federal regulations related to the education of children with disabilities. RIDE offers mediation and due process hearings in cases of disagreement. An impartial due process hearing is a formal way to resolve a dispute between you and the school system about your child’s education. For example, through mediation or due process, RIDE can assist families in disputes with school districts over decisions or recommendations for special education services for their child. Parents can access these services through its assessment team, call 401-222-3505 or visit https://ride.ri.gov/instruction-assessment/assessment for more information.
Special Education Call Center: 401-222-8999
The primary mission of HEALTH is to prevent disease and to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Rhode Island.
HEALTH Information Line: 800-942-7434
DHS provides quality services to Rhode Islanders in need, including children, adults, families, people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans, DHS offers a broad range of programs, services, and benefits to help promote family and individual self-sufficiency and economic independence.
The primary mission of BHDDH is to fund, plan, design, develop, administer, and coordinate a system of services for adults with specific disabilities. BHDDH is responsible for providing mental health services for children once they turn 18.
