PROVIDENCE — State Rep. Roberto DaSilva has introduced a bill in the General Assembly to prevent Family Court from placing children in out-of-state residential facilities or treatment centers.
The bill, H-5746, applies to children in the care of the state Department of Children, Youth and Families.
DaSilva, D-East Providence, Pawtucket, introduced the bill at the request of Nicholas Alahverdian, 23, a former DCYF client who endured years of abuse and neglect in two out-of-state residential facilities. Alahverdian is policy director of NexusGovernment and lobbies for legislation to protect children in DCYF care.
Historically, the DCYF has sent children to out-of-state facilities if the youths needed services that the agency determines are not offered in Rhode Island.
LYNN ARDITI