CFSP 5 Year Plan - RI Department of Children, Youth & Families

Of the cases reviewed, sexual abuse consistently represents more than half. This year,
cases involving sexual abuse represented 61% of the cases reviewed. It has been reported
previously by the Panel that cases involving “sexualized behavior” are presented almost on a
weekly basis due to considerable ambiguity about reporting. The Citizen Review Panel
discusses each case in question, and the panel reports that its decisions are frequently used to
inform policies and/or practices. Cases in which there are ongoing issues of concern continue to
be reviewed at subsequent meetings.
Activity Report of the Citizen Review Panel
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Sexual abuse 334 384 394 413 306
Physical abuse 122 137 107 82 80
Child neglect 97 69 73 43 81
Emotional abuse 8 6 4 1 1
Failure to thrive 13 8 15 10 1
Accidental injury 25 4 17 30 21
Medical Neglect 2 19 20 21 10
Medical Abuse 5 1
Total Cases 601 627 630 605 501
In this year’s report, the Citizen Review Panel focused on three specific issues:
° Providing a venue for panel members to present cases to DCYF personnel to
determine whether referral to the agency was indicated by law or by the child’s best
interests and to discuss appropriate placement recommendations if a referral was
indicated;
° Producing two information manuals for foster parents regarding medical and
behavioral/emotional issues; and
° Submission to and approval by Rhode Island Hospital’s Internal Review Board to
complete a survey regarding DCYF’s operational definition of emotional abuse to be
distributed to community leaders and professionals working with children and
families. This continues work that was begun five years ago and allows for further
development in the understanding of factors contributing to emotional abuse.
The full report of the Citizen Review Panel is included in the appendices.
CAPTA Program Areas Selected for Improvement –
In accordance with the requirements of Section 106(a)(1) through (14) of CAPTA, the
Department will continue its efforts to improve program in the following areas:
Section 106(a)(11) developing and delivering information to improve public
education relating to the role and responsibilities of the child protection system
and the nature and basis for reporting suspected incidents of child abuse and
neglect - Citizen Review Panel activities
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