Woonsocket Radio News Room

Senate passes DiMario bill requiring DCYF to report cases of suspected abuse to Children’s Advocacy Center

STATE HOUSE — The Senate today passed legislation (2021-S 0412) introduced by Sen. Alana M. DiMario (D-Dist. 36, North Kingstown, Narragansett) that would require the Department of Children, Youth and Families to report to the Children’s Advocacy Center all cases of suspected child sexual abuse.

The Children’s Advocacy Center is responsible for streamlining the process of investigating and adjudicating child abuse cases, while providing the child and family with mental health and other needed support.

“Instead of having to navigate through several different agencies, families are able to go to one place to interact with a multi-disciplinary team that is specifically trained to support children and their families in the aftermath of abuse,” said Senator DiMario. “The child is interviewed one time in a safe setting that helps to reduce the re-traumatization of the child and allows for a more comprehensive and accurate interview. By codifying the practice into law, children and families who are experiencing this awful situation who come to the attention of DCYF, will be directed early in the process to a place that is equipped to help them navigate through it and work for the best possible outcome on all fronts. I want to recognize and thank Day One for providing this important service model for children and their families here in Rhode Island.”

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where similar legislation (2021-H 5139) has been introduced by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, Narragansett, South Kingstown.

-30-

For an electronic version of this and all press releases published by the Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau, please visit our Web site at www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease.