R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72.1-1: Statement of purpose.

(a) The director of the department of children, youth and families, pursuant to § 42-72-5(b)(7) and (b)(24), shall establish within the department a unit to license and monitor child-placing agencies, child caring agencies, foster and adoptive homes, and children’s behavioral health programs to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children temporarily separated from or being cared for away from their natural families.

(b) Services for children requiring licensure under this chapter shall include all child-placing agencies, child caring agencies, foster and adoptive homes, and children’s behavioral health programs that offer services within the state, except as defined in § 42-72.1-5.