A BRIEF HISTORY
In 1978 several programs formed the Group Home Association to provide a unified, common voice for RI children and youth. In 1980, the Council incorporated as a non-profit, taking the name of the Rhode Island Council on Residential Programs for Children and Youth.
Throughout the 1980's, as the Council's membership continued to expand, RICORP developed training sessions for workers. By 2000 the Council established a training certification program for direct care staff, supervisors, and clinicians. In 2002 RICORP and the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) unveiled a curriculum in "Children’s Residential Programming". (Working with the Department of Children, Youth and Families the Council established, and oversees, a tuition subsidy to help defray the cost of classes for workers attending the CCRI/RICORP program.)
As the 1990’s progressed so did the Council’s legislative voice. Between 1999-2007 contracted providers received rate increases in 6/9 years. Prior to this these same providers had been level funded in 8/12 years. The Council also supported, and continues to support, legislation that benefits children and youth in care. Some of the legislation that RICORP supported includes "The Children’s Freedom From Restraint Act" and the "Higher Education Assistance Grant" (which provides college tuition to youth in placement that attend state universities/colleges).
In 2001 RICORP opened the John H. Chafee Life Skills Center for Adolescents. This program offers youth 16 and older (residing in residential placement) a curriculum to help them prepare for transition to adulthood. The 100 hour course includes such topics as banking and checking accounts, how to find and care for an apartment, and other tasks necessary for transitioning to adulthood.
In May of 2003 the Council’s membership voted unanimously to change its name (now the R.I. Council of Resource Providers for Children, Youth, and Families), its mission and vision. Still known as RICORP, the new name reflects the Council’s commitment to help bring community partners together to ensure the best possible services to all children and families in Rhode Island.
In the summer of 2005 the Council purchased a building in Easy Providence to house all of its operations. The site includes office suites, class rooms and a 1,000 square foot conference room. The facility is also the current home of the RI Foster Parent Association, allowing greater collaboration between the two organizations that represent youth in out-of-home care in the state.
In 2007 RICORP began the YESS-model program, a collaboration between out Life Skill Center, the RI Dept. of Children, Youth and families, and provider agencies. YESS (Young Adults Establishing Self Sufficiency) ensures housing and minimal supports to individuals 18-21 who would have otherwise "age out" of the State's child welfare system.
©2008 RICORP, All Rights Reserved
Revised:
17-Dec-07