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3/18/2026
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Op-Ed: The reason why RI fails kids in foster care
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By Rep. Julie A. Casimiro
Rhode Island has plummeting graduation rates for kids in foster care, in contrast to an upward trajectory of the numbers nationwide. Feeling the outrage, I convened a commission to look at the issues facing our kids in state care. The commission heard compelling testimony from numerous presenters, and while much was learned from this process, I ended the commission early when it appeared to me that not all of the members were aligned with the commission’s goals. There are systemic challenges across government that emerged during this commission that require attention.
Former foster youth testified to the commission about their experiences when in foster care. They described experiences of feeling they were not listened to, not being told what services and supports were available, and not always knowing who to turn to for help. Growing up in foster care and relying on the state of Rhode Island to help a child meet their educational goals, graduate high school, and enter college is not easy. In fact, it’s almost impossible for many of our kids. The ones who have “made it” and are currently studying at one of our state colleges and universities spoke on behalf of all their foster siblings and friends who need help and don’t know where to find it.
Rhode Island has set a target high school graduation rate of 95% by 2027. As of the 2023-24 school year, the state achieved a 10-year high with an 84.1% graduation rate. Unfortunately, Rhode Island foster youth have the lowest high school graduation rate in the state with only 43% graduating on time in 2024, a decline from 51% in 2023. Our state child welfare and public education systems need to do better. While the Department of Children, Youth and Families, the Rhode Island Department of Education, and the local education authorities are collectively responsible for the educational needs of RI’s foster children, no entities appear to be outraged or motivated enough to change the trajectory for these children. It was abundantly clear to me that our state agencies were not coming to the meetings with a focus on reform.
We need a call to action on behalf of foster children. Unless our state and local leaders commit to specific reforms to address the unacceptable 43% graduation rate, nothing will change, and children will continue to suffer. A report detailing the work of the commission and subsequent recommendations will be released in the coming months.
I will continue to work with the Office of the Child Advocate and other stakeholders on addressing this issue and filing meaningful legislation to correct the ship before it sinks.
Julie A. Casimiro, a Democrat, represents District 31 in North Kingstown and Exeter and chairs the House Oversight Subcommittee on Children and Families.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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