R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-7: Central registry.

(a) There shall be established a central registry within the department responsible for the collection, receipt, dissemination, reporting, and maintenance of all files relating to children under the jurisdiction of this chapter. The central registry will be the main repository for all case files, shall establish uniform forms and standards for data acquisition and transmission, and shall take all necessary precautions to assure confidentiality of records protected by this chapter.

(b) Any request for information, assistance, and investigation of complaints must be registered with the central registry in order to assure the elimination of duplication and for the purpose of gathering statistical data in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter.