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

HB 7438 extends all extended benefits provided by Rhode Island's Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to children placed in guardianship, which currently only applies to foster care. This bill amends DCYF's statutory authority to ensure children in permanent guardianship arrangements receive the same support services as those in foster care. The key mechanism is updating the department's powers to include guardianship under the scope of extended benefits eligibility. This policy change directly affects children under guardianship and their guardians by expanding access to DCYF services. The bill does not alter existing foster care benefits but ensures parity for children in guardianship.