R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-64-5: Children under care and control of state agency.

In cases where the director of a Rhode Island state agency considers it likely that a child under his or her care and control will be subject to a short term placement or series of short term placements, the director may petition the commissioner of elementary and secondary education to designate the child’s original city or town of residence as having continuing responsibility for the child’s education. This designation shall be effective for period not greater than two (2) months unless an extension is granted by the commissioner. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit any school system from providing transportation for the child without charge. Disputes under this section including disputes relating to transportation shall be resolved in accordance with § 16-64-6.