DCYF nominee up for consideration in committee

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee’s nomination for director of the Department of Children, Youth and Families will be considered in the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

McKee nominated Ashley Deckert last month, saying she has over 16 years of experience in various sectors of child welfare.

“She is an experienced leader with a proven track record and I am grateful she is bringing that knowledge and experience Rhode Island,” the governor said on April 18.

Deckert started her career as a foster care child welfare specialist in Illinois and spent 13 years at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

In Illinois, Deckert is involved in an ongoing civil lawsuit surrounding a child’s death, according to court records.

Her appointment is pending Senate approval. If approved, Deckert will be the first permanent director in nearly four years.