Protecting the Maternal/Child Dyad Through Innovative Rhode Island Partnerships

Wednesday, August 13, 2025
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM

This proposal will tell the story of a unique partnership between the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), and community-based Perinatal Peer Services and Family Visitors to respond holistically and with the purpose of keeping mothers and babies together in cases of prenatal substance exposure. DCYF and RIDOH collaborate to ensure that pregnant women who are reported for prenatal substance use are triaged to the DCYF Substance Use Coordinator -- a unique full-time position in the child welfare arena -- who makes referrals to Perinatal Peer Services and Family Visiting. This innovative public health/child welfare/community partnership utilizes prenatal care, treatment and recovery, and maternal and child health supports and services to ensure that pregnant women who are using substances are given an opportunity to right the ship before delivery. This partnership has resulted in more pregnant women going into treatment, more mothers and babies staying together, and fewer removals to foster care. This work is bolstered by novel bias-free messaging campaigns; a child welfare/public health/birthing hospital working group whose mission is to drive policy and practice change; an infusion of reproductive health resources into the community; and strong statewide collaborative and cross-disciplinary relationships.