Logo for RI Birth Parent Advisory Board featuring overlapping pink hearts and blue text.

OUR MISSION

To engage and support the voice of birth parents, as well as to advocate for the strengthening of Rhode Island’s child welfare system to maintain and reunite children safely with their families.

A black woman and young girl sharing a hug against a textured rock wall background.

Advisory Board Membership

Birth Parents who have been involved with child welfare — both closed and unresolved cases are welcome.

Attend monthly meetings to give input and participate in time-limited workgroups and subcommittees.

A Latina woman and young girl hugging and smiling at the camera indoors.

Leadership Team

Identified Birth Parents who take an active role leading board activity, co-facilitate meetings, participate on state and regional boards, and have no dependency court involvement for at least one year (case is closed or dismissed).

Members are eligible for leadership positions after one year. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. All Leadership Team members must be approved by DCYF.

A smiling man with dark hair and a beard carries a young boy on his shoulders outdoors in a field with tall, dry grass and trees. The boy, wearing a red and black checkered shirt and black overalls, also smiling at the camera.

Group Peer Support

Support Group Meetings — birth parents who have current open cases with DCYF or closed cases are invited to participate.

All meetings are free and facilitated by birth parents who are trained in the Circle of Parents leadership model.

Use your voice and lived experience to help change the child welfare system.