Rhode Island DCYF launching Listening and Learning Tour

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families said that a “Listening and Learning Tour” will begin this month.

Director Ashley Deckert said the tour will “focus on stakeholder and community engagement across the state,” and aims to develop a five-year strategic plan for the department.

She added that the tour will take place over a 15 to 18 month period, and will include five phases: planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting, strategic plan, and maintenance.

The planning phase was completed in September.

The schedule for DCYF’s Listening and Learning Tour. (Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families)

“The goal of this tour is to help reinforce DCYF’s commitment to the children, youth, and families that we serve by centering youth and family voice to address any challenges the department faces now and in the future,” Deckert said. “It will serve to drive innovative best practices and provide the framework necessary for DCYF to develop and implement a five-year strategic plan which includes actionable goals and benchmarks.”

The department said it will release dates and times for community forums at a later date.