Oversight & ethics enforcementChild protectionPublic safety & negligence

Rhode Island child advocate review of 30 child deaths and 11 near-deaths finds inconsistent hotline screening and staffing gaps at DCYF

Confidence: Corroborated · 2 sourcesRhode Island · Oct 13, 2026

Subject of this story

Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families

Also named

Oversight

Rhode Island Office of the Child Advocate

What happened

On August 31, 2026 the Rhode Island Office of the Child Advocate released a report from its Child Fatality Review Panel covering 30 fatalities and 11 near-fatalities of young children (from birth to age six, per the Office) reviewed because of their connection to the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). The Child Advocate said reviewers found cases that met the standards for investigation but were screened out at the hotline, caseloads well above best-practice levels, and recurring co-sleeping and unsafe-sleep circumstances. DCYF said it takes the findings seriously and is reviewing the recommendations, pointing to daily review of screen-outs, more training and added staffing in its Support and Response Unit.

Sources (2)

NBC 10 / WJARThe Office of the Child Advocate examined 30 deaths and 11 near-deaths involving children 5 and younger.

Ocean State MediaThere were cases that should have been screened in for investigation based on the standards in place that were not.

Response

Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families

Statement given

Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.

What happened next (0)

No outcome recorded yet.

I saw an update

Take action →