Toddler Dies At RI Department Of Children, Youth, and Families

RHODE ISLAND — A one-year-old child died at the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families, according to multiple reports that cite a department spokesperson.

The child died on Feb. 11, but the "final determination" was only made Tuesday, WPRI reported. No information has been revealed about the nature of the death.

Just days before the death was announced, Ashley Deckert, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families acknowledged in a news release that "this week, Rhode Island has seen an increase of child near fatality and fatality reports."

"This is heartbreaking," Deckert added. "Often when these incidents take place, families are not known to the department. We need to urgently share prevention messages with all Rhode Island families regarding how to keep our kids safe."

Kimberly Merolla-Brito, director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, added that there is a need for better awareness of the resources available to prevent deaths in children, including safe sleep practices and supports, how to prevent accidental youth poisonings, domestic violence support, and referral services for behavioral health concerns.

"We all play an important role in this effort, now more than ever," Merolla-Brito said.

For more information about the resources available, visit the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families.