Bill > S0802

This bill amends Rhode Island's child care assistance law to require the Department of Human Services to provide child care assistance to families who meet the requirements of a "protective services category" as defined in federal regulations (45 CFR §98.20(a)(3)(ii)), which specifically includes vulnerable children receiving support through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). The new provision (added as subsection (l)) mandates that the department establish and maintain rules and regulations that align with federal requirements for identifying and supporting these vulnerable children and their families. This addition expands existing child care assistance programs, which already provide support to working families, families in education programs, and families with varying income levels, by explicitly including families involved with protective services. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, ensuring that these vulnerable children can quickly access needed child care support through a standardized framework that matches federal guidelines.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/