DCYF Director Piccola to step down

By Jordan Mazza

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –The Director of the Rhode Island DCYF is stepping down after a tumultuous two years leading the agency.

A DCYF spokesperson announced Wednesday that Trista will resign from her position, but plans to remain at DCYF until a suitable replacement Director is found.

“I take great pride in DCYF’s accomplishments and its unwavering commitment to improving the services provided to Rhode Island’s most vulnerable children and families.,” said Piccola, praising the positive effects of department-wide reforms enacted during her tenure.

Governor Gina Raimondo appointed Piccola in 2017.

Piccola says she is leaving because her husband is taking a new job in Arizona.

She faced criticism in June after a report found that the DCYF was partially responsible for the death of a 9-year-old Warwick girl.

Some on the House Oversight Committee called for her resignation.

“If she had an ounce of integrity she would’ve resigned immediately when that poor little girl died,” said Rep. Charlene Lima, (D) Cranston. “Apparently she was not up to the task.”

The head of the union representing DCYF employees says Piccola inherited a difficult situation, but some seasoned employees didn’t feel she listened to them enough.

“They felt she didn’t value their opinion and input into what is their life,” said Kathy McElroy, President of RIASSE Local 580. “A lot of these people have committed their whole life to this career and to the benefit of children and families.”

House Oversight Committee Chair Patricia Serpa gave Dr. Piccola credit for some policy changes during her tenure…including sending investigators to homes sooner.

“My guess is she probably has saved some lives or prevented some tragedies because they went out to investigate,” Serpa said.

The Oversight chair says she hopes the new director will bring more resources to the front lines.

“It’s a tough job, but it is the most important job,” Serpa said. “There is zero room for error in DCYF, because an error in that agency usually means a tragedy.”

DCYF also announced Wednesday that the organization will undergo a third party, top-to-bottom review in cooperation with the Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families.

It’s unclear who will replace Piccola at this time.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019