AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

HB 5347 amends Rhode Island law to extend all extended benefits provided by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to children placed in guardianship, aligning them with the benefits already available to foster children. This change ensures children under legal guardianship receive the same post-care support services as those in foster care. The bill directly affects children in guardianship arrangements and their guardians across Rhode Island. It modifies Section 42-72-5 of the General Laws to include guardianship under DCYF's benefit provisions.