Post by Logan on Apr 9, 2016 5:49:23 GMT -6
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Newly confirmed child advocate Jennifer Griffith said under her tenure the office responsible for acting as a watchdog over the state's troubled child welfare system will investigate every time a child dies in state care.
"I'm charged with an extreme responsibility to look out for children," Griffith said. "I think litigation is a last resort ... one I would not be afraid to use if I had to. But I'm here to work together to achieve common goals with the other departments first."
Griffith, who has spent 10 years as an attorney with Rhode Island Legal Services, received unanimous Senate approval on Thursday for a five-year term with an annual salary of $92,870. The advocate has the authority to investigate any time a child dies in state care and can issue recommendations the state Department of Children, Youth and Families.
Her confirmation hearing took place against the backdrop of a controversial report released last week revealing more than 320 children in the state are living in unlicensed foster homes. Roughly 130 foster homes hosting children have been unlicensed for more than six months in violation of state law.
Read more: www.providencejournal.com/news/20160407/ri-senate-unanimously-approves-new-child-advocate
"I'm charged with an extreme responsibility to look out for children," Griffith said. "I think litigation is a last resort ... one I would not be afraid to use if I had to. But I'm here to work together to achieve common goals with the other departments first."
Griffith, who has spent 10 years as an attorney with Rhode Island Legal Services, received unanimous Senate approval on Thursday for a five-year term with an annual salary of $92,870. The advocate has the authority to investigate any time a child dies in state care and can issue recommendations the state Department of Children, Youth and Families.
Her confirmation hearing took place against the backdrop of a controversial report released last week revealing more than 320 children in the state are living in unlicensed foster homes. Roughly 130 foster homes hosting children have been unlicensed for more than six months in violation of state law.
Read more: www.providencejournal.com/news/20160407/ri-senate-unanimously-approves-new-child-advocate