Problems related to the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families have persisted for years. But when U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha recently unveiled the findings of a probe into DCYF, state officials stood up and took notice. Cunha is the top federal prosecutor in the state, and his office has enormous power. After being nominated by President Biden in 2021, Cunha has pursued federal prosecutors’ standard approach in zeroing in on crimes involving drugs, fraud, guns, and violence. But these are not normal times. If Donald Trump retakes the White House in November, he is expected to remake the Justice Department, and Trump says he’d consider pardoning people who rioted at the capitol on January sixth. So what’s it like pursuing the rule of law in the time of Trump? And how much difference can federal officials make in improving the lives of vulnerable kids? This week on Political Roundtable, I’m going in-depth with U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island Zachary Cunha.
DCYF
Posted inHealth, Local
Rhode Island has ‘more kids in psychiatric care that should be someplace else’
For years, Marty Sinnott warned Rhode Island lawmakers of trouble mounting in the state’s child welfare system. But the CEO of the Middletown-based nonprofit Child and Family Services of Newport County says nobody listened. Now, officials from the state Department of Children, Youth and Families are scrambling to remove kids from the troubled St. Mary’s […]
Posted inHealth, Local
Federal investigation alleges RI ‘warehouses’ children in psychiatric treatment
U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha is accusing the state of Rhode Island of violating the federal civil rights of children with mental health or developmental disabilities. A multi-year federal investigation alleges the state has kept children hospitalized at Bradley Hospital, an acute-care psychiatric facility, for longer than necessary by not providing them with the services they […]
Posted inArticle, Health
COVID-19 spreads in youth group homes: How life inside is changing
The spotlight has been on Rhode Island’s hard-hit nursing homes, but group homes for kids are also grappling with COVID-19. The coronavirus has infiltrated at least 14 residential programs in Rhode Island, infecting 28 children and young adults and dozens of staff members. Facility operators are working to prevent the virus from spreading, but it’s proved difficult to contain.
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Jones On Human Services, Racial Equity & DCYF
Womazetta Jones, secretary of RI’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services, joins Political Roundtable to discuss her work, efforts to foster more racial equity in social services, and the outlook for improvements at DCYF.
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For August 16
It always comes back to Rhode Island, right? Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) The Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls promises to remain in the spotlight after a pickup […]
Posted inArticle, Health
Oversight Committee Not Satisfied By Child Welfare Changes, Plans To Keep A Close Eye On DCYF
The chairwoman of the Rhode Island’s House Oversight Committee says she’s not satisfied with changes at the state’s child welfare agency.
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For July 12
Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. Put the PawSox on your summer itinerary, while you still can. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. The recess of the General Assembly session last month has done little to dispel […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Bonus Q&A: Raia On DCYF, Raimondo’s Profile, Marijuana & Morena
Mike Raia, the departing communications director for Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, pinch hits for her on Bonus Q&A this week. The topics include New York Times’ columnist Frank Bruni’s recent column on Raimondo and problems related to the state Department of Children, Youth and Families.
Posted inArticle, Health
DCYF Seeks Foster Families In Westerly
In the last year, Rhode Island took custody of 44 children in Westerly who had to leave their homes for safety reasons. The state’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families spokesman, Adam Williams, said that’s why his office is kicking off a new campaign to recruit foster parents in town. “These children who are in […]
