R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-12-4: Welfare supervision.

The department of human services shall have supervision and management of:

(1) All forms of public assistance under the control of the state;

(2) Old-age assistance;

(3) Aid to dependent children;

(4) Aid to persons who are blind;

(5) Unemployment relief; and

(6) Aid to families of persons committed to state institutions within the department.

The department shall also have supervision over the placement of children in private homes or institutions.