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SB 2613

AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

The bill extends DCYF custody and court supervision for eligible youth up to age 21 through structured transition plans and voluntary extended care.

05/19/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2613

Summary of SB 2613 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • This act amends Rhode Island’s family court laws governing delinquent and dependent children to give the court broader authority to retain jurisdiction over juveniles beyond the current age limits, including the possibility of extended care and placement up to age 21.
  • The goal is to facilitate structured transition planning and continued supervision to improve safety, permanency, and well-being for older youth aging out of or remaining in DCYF custody.

Key provisions and changes

  • Retention of jurisdiction beyond age 18

    • If the court obtained jurisdiction prior to a child’s 18th birthday (delinquent/wayward petitions), the child would continue under the court’s jurisdiction until age 19 by default, with a possible extension to age 21 if the court finds it in the child’s best interest.
    • For dependents/neglected/abused cases (filings prior to 18), the child would ordinarily continue until 18, but transitional planning is required six months before turning 18, including a description of transition services and an opportunity for voluntary extended care and supervision through age 21.

  • Transition planning and voluntary extension (18-21)

    • The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) must provide a transition plan covering housing, health insurance, education/employment plans, mentors, and ongoing supports, or explain why such services are not offered.
    • Eligible youth may voluntarily elect to stay under DCYF care and court supervision until 21 if they meet certain criteria (e.g., pursuing education, employment, job training, or medical conditions that prevent participation).

  • Eligibility criteria for extended care (18-21)

    • Young adults must be in DCYF custody at age 18 and actively engaged in specified activities (high school diploma/GED, secondary education or equivalent program, postsecondary/vocational education, job training, employment of at least 80 hours/month, or medical condition preventing these activities).

  • Adoption/guidance on post-adoption scenarios

    • Youth adopted or placed with guardianship with post-adoption/guardianship support agreements may also opt for extended care and court supervision through age 21 if they meet the criteria.

  • Termination and reinstatement

    • Upon request by the young adult, the court’s supervision and DCYF responsibility can be terminated, with the option to reinstate supervision before age 21 if eligible under the plan.
    • DCYF may seek termination for good cause; the court retains discretion to terminate supervision at any time.

  • Special provisions for emotionally disturbed/developmentally delayed youth

    • The court may retain jurisdiction up to age 21 for certain youths who are seriously emotionally disturbed or developmentally delayed, ensuring ongoing transition planning and supervision.

  • Interagency collaboration and transition plan timing

    • The DCYF must collaborate with the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) to develop a joint transition plan for affected youth, with plan submission to the court at least 12 months before discharge and more detailed housing/placement information 3 months before discharge.
    • If timely referrals are not made, DCYF may initiate referrals to appropriate services.

  • Transition hearing and immediate planning

    • If no suitable transition plan exists by age 20, a transition hearing may be required, and BHDDH must designate a liaison to work with DCYF to finalize a comprehensive transition plan for age 21.

  • Public availability of records

    • Names of individuals who are waived or certified (and convicted) would be publicly accessible.

Who is affected

  • Juvenile defendants and wards under the family court’s jurisdiction, including:
    • Delinquent/wayward children
    • Dependent/neglected/abused children
    • Youth currently in DCYF custody aging toward 18 or already in transition
    • Families, guardians, and guardians ad litem involved in these proceedings
    • DCYF and BHDDH, which must coordinate transition planning and services

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Transition timelines:
    • Six months prior to turning 18: court requires DCYF to present transition services plan.
    • 12 months prior to discharge: joint transition plan must be presented to the court.
    • 3 months prior to discharge: specific placement details must be identified if residential care is needed.
  • Renewal and extension:
    • Court may extend jurisdiction to age 21 on a case-by-case basis if in the child’s best interest.
    • Extension is subject to continued compliance with plan requirements and court approval.
  • Certification and waiver provisions:
    • For certain offenses and certification findings, the act outlines how jurisdiction may transfer to adult courts or remain under family court supervision, with accompanying implications for sentencing and rehabilitation.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Provides a structured path for older youth to remain in a supervised, supportive framework to improve transition outcomes (education, employment, housing, health insurance).
  • Balances youth development needs with public safety and resource considerations by requiring rigorous transition plans and periodic court oversight.
  • Increases transparency and public accessibility for certain youth determinations.
  • Requires interagency collaboration and clear timelines to avoid service gaps during aging-out processes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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