§ 42-72.1-3. Powers and scope of activities. (a) The department shall issue, deny, and revoke licenses for, and monitor the operation of, facilities and programs by child-placing agencies, child caring agencies, foster and adoptive homes, and children's behavioral health programs as defined in § 42-72.1-2 or assess administrative penalties under the provisions of chapter 72.11 of this title relating to licensed childcare centers, family childcare homes, and group family childcare homes.

(b) The department shall adopt, amend, and rescind regulations in accordance with this chapter and implement its provisions. The regulations shall be promulgated and become effective in accordance with the provisions of the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of this title.

(c) The department through its licensing unit shall administer and manage the regulations pertaining to the licensing and monitoring of those agencies, and shall exercise all statutory and administrative powers necessary to carry out its functions.

(d) The administrator shall investigate complaints of noncompliance, and shall take licensing action as required.

(e) Regulations formulated pursuant to the foregoing authority shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:

(1) Financial, administrative and organizational ability, and stability of the applicant;

(2) Compliance with specific fire and safety codes and health regulations;

(3) Character, health suitability, qualifications of child-placing agencies, child caring agencies, foster and adoptive homes, and children's behavioral health programs;

(4) Staff/child ratios and workload assignments of staff providing care or supervision to children;

(5) Type and content of records or documents that must be maintained to collect and retain information for the planning and caring for children;

(6) Procedures and practices regarding placing services to ensure protection to the child regarding the manner and appropriateness of placement;

(7) Service to families of children in care;

(8) Program activities, including components related to physical growth, social, emotional, educational, and recreational activities, social services and habilitative or rehabilitative treatment; and

(9) Investigation of previous employment, criminal record check and department records check.

(10) [Deleted by P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 21].

(f) The administrator may:

(1) Prescribe any forms for reports, statements, notices, and other documents deemed necessary;

(2) Prepare and publish manuals and guides explaining this chapter and the regulations to facilitate compliance with and enforcement of the regulations;

(3) Prepare reports and studies to advance the purpose of this chapter;

(4) Provide consultation and technical assistance, as requested, to assist licensees in maintaining compliance; and

(5) Refer to the advisory council for children and families for advice and consultation on licensing matters.

(g) [Deleted by P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 21].

(h) When the department is otherwise unsuccessful in remedying noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter and the regulations promulgated under it, it may petition the family court for an order enjoining the noncompliance or for any order that equity and justice may require.

(i) [Deleted by P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 21].

(j) The department shall adopt, amend, and rescind regulations in the same manner as set forth above in order to permit the placement of a pregnant minor in a group residential facility which provides a shelter for pregnant adults as its sole purpose.

(k) Notwithstanding the transfer of licensing to and the licensing and monitoring of day and child care facilities to the department of human services, pursuant to chapter 12.5 of this title, the department of children, youth and families will continue to be the agency responsible for investigating any complaint of abuse and neglect that is alleged to have occurred at a day care or child care facility. Any appeal of an investigative finding of abuse or neglect against a staff member, paid or otherwise, including managerial or contract personnel, or visitor may be appealed to the Rhode Island family court.

(l) The Rhode Island family court shall retain jurisdiction over those complaints investigated by the department of children, youth and families, pursuant to this chapter, regardless of whether licensing and monitoring is performed under chapter 12.5 of this title or this chapter.

History of Section. (P.L. 1986, ch. 254, § 5; P.L. 1986, ch. 274, § 5; P.L. 1987, ch. 458, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 560, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 253, § 3; P.L. 1993, ch. 406, § 4; P.L. 1994, ch. 158, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 11, § 7; P.L. 2001, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 47, art. 15, § 5; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 21.)