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7/13/2022 Reps. Casimiro and Noret praise funding inclusion for ‘Lost Girls’ facility in state budget
STATE HOUSE – Reps. Julie A. Casimiro and Thomas E. Noret are praising the funding inclusion for a new facility for female youths under state care in the FY 2023 state budget.

In the recently approved budget, the Assembly appropriated $12 million, or $6 million more than recommended, to expand existing in-state capacity at private facilities and for the initial design of a new qualified residential treatment program facility.  The General Assembly also appropriated $45 million more than recommended by the governor for the construction of a new female youth facility.

Both Representatives Casimiro and Noret have been strong and vocal advocates for the need of an in-state treatment facility for female youths under state care.  Currently, many of these females have been moved to out-of-state programs at great costs to the taxpayers.

“Late last year, we learned the maddening fact that Rhode Island has no place to care for adolescent girls under state care.  Without a dedicated facility and a complete lack of private provider beds, these girls are either shipped out-of-state at great taxpayer expense or they are lost within the system that is supposed to provide them with care and support.  Thankfully, the General Assembly did not forget about these ‘Lost Girls’ and the necessary funding to care for these girls properly has been included in the budget,” said Representative Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter).

“For too long, our state has not been providing the support and treatment that the traumatized and vulnerable adolescent females under state care deserve.  These girls literally had nowhere to go for help in Rhode Island, but thanks to the General Assembly, this terrible problem will be a thing of the past and these young women will finally receive the help, care and support that they need within our own state’s borders,” said Representative Noret (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick).



For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124