R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-73-1: Legislative findings.

It is found and declared that:

(1) All children are capable of success and schools are the centers of vibrant communities. The growing social needs of children directly affect their ability to perform successfully in school because health, emotional, social, and family problems can impede learning.

(2) Schools are most effective when families take active roles in the education of children. Community schools are in a unique position to provide the vital links between education, social services, and health care to children and their families.

(3) It is important that schools be assisted in fulfilling the critical function of coordinating the delivery of comprehensive social services at or near the site of public schools to address the particular needs of each school community.