R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-18: Denial of petition — Order as to custody of child.

(a) Upon hearing before the family court on any petition for adoption, if it finds that the petition for adoption is not for the best interest of the child and denies the petition, the court shall have the power to order the child returned to the person, persons, or licensed agency legally entitled to custody.

(b) The failure of a person having the physical control of the child to place the child in accordance with the order of the family court shall constitute contempt which may be punished by the court by imprisonment in the adult correctional institutions until such time as he or she purges himself or herself.