Federal Grant Award Summary: SCIP-2026

The Judiciary of the State of Rhode Island received a $326,004 Formula Grant award from the Administration on Children Youth and Families (ACYF) under the State Court Improvement Program (SCIP, CFDA 93.586) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This award supports the state judiciary's efforts to assess and improve court processes related to child welfare proceedings, including family preservation, adoption, and legal representation in child welfare cases. The Rhode Island Judiciary leverages SCIP funding to strengthen judicial administration and court processes, with a focus on enhancing the safety, permanency, and well-being of children involved in the state court system.

The judiciary's comprehensive approach to court improvement includes judicial training, case management services, and support for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the Rhode Island Judiciary has historically partnered with the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety as a sub-grantee to deliver complementary services including domestic violence prevention, victim advocacy, specialty court calendars, and case management support across multiple court divisions. The SCIP funding enables the state to conduct systematic assessments identifying barriers to timely and effective decision-making while implementing targeted improvements to judicial practices and legal representation in child welfare proceedings.