Rhode Island § 40-11-18 - Abused and Neglected Children

§ 40-11-18. Children’s advocacy centers — Services — Requirements.

(a) Children’s advocacy centers shall provide the following services to children in Rhode Island:

(1) Operation of a child-appropriate or child-friendly facility that provides a comfortable, private setting that is both physically and psychologically safe for clients;

(2) Participation in a multidisciplinary team for response to child abuse allegations;

(3) Operation of a legal entity responsible for program and fiscal operations that has established and implemented basic sound administrative practices;

(4) Promotion of policies, practices, and procedures that are culturally competent and diverse;

(5) Conduct forensic interviews in a manner that is of a neutral, fact-finding nature and coordinated to avoid duplicative interviewing;

(6) Provide specialized medical evaluation and treatment made available to clients as part of the team response, either at the CAC or through coordination and referral with other specialized medical providers;

(7) Offer therapeutic intervention through specialized mental health services made available as part of the team response, either at the child advocacy center or through coordination and referral with other appropriate treatment providers;

(8) Offer victim support and advocacy as part of the team response, either at the child advocacy center or through coordination with other providers, throughout the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings;

(9) Conduct team discussions and provide information sharing regarding the investigation, case status, and services needed by the child and family are to occur on a routine basis;

(10) Develop and implement a system for monitoring case progress and tracking case outcomes for team components; and

(11) Shall establish a safe exchange location for children and families who have a parenting agreement or an order providing for visitation or custody of the children that require a safe exchange location.

(b) As used in this section, “cultural competency” means the capacity to function in more than one culture, requiring the ability to appreciate, understand, and interact with members of diverse populations within the local community.