Welcome to the Social Services Page at the Rhode Island Department of Education. On this page you will find links to those agencies and organizations that provide a range of safety nets for you and your children.

• Child Opportunity Zones (COZs)
• Child & Family Services (CFS) has served as a catalyst through which community members can help one another.
• Comprehensive Child Care Services Network of Rhode Island
• Family Service provides a variety of programs including: mental health & substance abuse treatment; Early Intervention (EI) for infants and toddlers with developmental issues; group homes for children; case management, including specialized case management for people living with HIV/AIDS; substance abuse prevention programs
• Department of Children Youth & Families: Services for Boys & girls, infant-18.
• Department of Human Services
• Homeless Education: The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires all school districts to ensure access to public education for children and youth experiencing homelessness and to ensure their success in school once enrolled.
• Lifespan online (for information about Lifespan, services, programs and events)
  http://www.lifespan.org/healthtalk
  (a forum of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals sharing good health information.)
• Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a support group for parents, families and friends of gays and lesbians, to share support and understanding about homosexuality.
• Parents Without Partners - For single parents - widowed, divorced, -separated or never married - to join together for support, education, social gatherings, and family fun.
• Ready to Learn is a coalition that includes parents, early-care and public-school educators, city librarians, health-care professionals, policy makers, and state and local government representatives who share the vision that one day all of our children will start school ready to learn.
• The Rhode Island Family Guide Website has lots of useful information for parents
• Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN) provides free telephone support, information, training, & referrals to families seeking help for the children in their care.
• United Way Help Line: Whether you need shelter during times of trouble or quality childcare near your home or work, this is the number to call when you need to know where to turn. Help Line: 800-367-2700 or in RI: 401-351-6500
• Women & Infants' Centers for Health Education: Offer parenting education programs on issues ranging from infant care to being a grandparent.