R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-13: Liability for support of committed children.

(a) The department, within available appropriations, shall pay for the support and maintenance of any child in residence, in any of the department’s institutions or facilities or in transit from one institution or facility to another, whether public or private, under a purchase of services agreement. Nothing in this section shall exempt any person from liability of support of children under the supervision of the department when otherwise provided by law, or prohibit the department from charging fees for services in appropriate cases.

(b) Whenever possible, the department shall notify the person liable for the support and maintenance of the child of this section.