Alumna Katelyn Medeiros is Rhode Island’s New Child Advocate

This spring, RIC alumna Katelyn Medeiros, Esq. ’10 was appointed by R.I. Gov. Dan McKee as Rhode Island’s new child advocate. Medeiros has worked in the Office of the Child Advocate since 2014 and has served as the state’s acting child advocate since July 2022. She will serve a five-year term that expires in May 2029.

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) was created by the Rhode Island General Assembly to protect the legal rights of children in the custody and/or care of the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).

OCA has the right to intervene in any case where a child’s safety, education and physical and mental welfare are not being met. If a resolution cannot be reached, the OCA can initiate litigation on the child’s behalf, including bring suit against DCYF.

“Katelyn is a proven and passionate leader,” McKee stated, “who has championed the safety and well-being of Rhode Island children for more than a decade, including the last two years as our state’s acting director. We know she will serve Rhode Islanders well in this permanent role."

Medeiros earned dual degrees in both justice studies and sociology at Rhode Island College in 2010 and graduated from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2013. While in law school, she interned at the Office of the Child Advocate for six months in 2012. She became staff attorney for the office in 2014, followed by a promotion to assistant child advocate in 2017 and acting director in 2022.

Katelyn, a former DCYF director said of you: “When the going gets tough and there are difficult decisions to be made, you will do the right thing no matter what the consequences are for you professionally or personally.” How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as a fierce and zealous advocate. My focus and allegiance have been and will always remain with the children of this state.

Recently an investigation by your office led to the exposure of abuse and negligence inside St. Mary’s Home for Children in North Providence, which is a DCYF contractor. How can DCYF do a better job of protecting children under their protection?

While our investigation cited findings and recommendations specific to St. Mary’s Home for Children, there were also numerous recommendations made to improve the systems, practices and policies within DCYF. We sought specifically for heightened supervision and more standardized approaches/training within Child Protective Services. We recommended a more unified and coordinated approach between all units within DCYF when a complaint is received about a residential facility. We advocated for increased monitoring of facilities by DCYF with a routine practice of putting eyes on the facility and connecting directly with youth who have shared concerns. Additionally, we have recommended the development of a new process and procedure to complete assessments and referrals for services and placements to ensure that the needs of children are being met and that they are receiving placements in an appropriate and in the least restrictive setting. 

Your office has stated that there is a need for an in-depth review of the child welfare system and the full continuity of care of children in that system, inferring that systemic changes are needed. What are some of the changes you’d like to see?

Our system is in crisis. We do not have enough placements for children – from foster homes through high-end residential centers – and we have the highest number of children placed out of state than ever before, many of whom could be supported in Rhode Island if we had the proper services and supports in place to meet their needs.

We’re advocating for a needs assessment to provide a true indication of the needs of our populations across children’s behavioral health, child welfare and juvenile justice. Determining the needs of our children will provide invaluable information to inform efficient spending on procurement and aid us in mapping the services needed in state to bring as many young people back to Rhode Island from out-of-state placements and to prevent the long-term hospitalization of youth.

In driving forward systemic reform what are the major challenges you face?

Currently, interagency collaboration is necessary to drive system reform forward. This isn’t always easy, but it is something our office is committed to in order to improve outcomes for our children and youth. We also believe that long-term vision, structure and financial planning will be key to long-term success. Right now, we’re paying high daily rates for children who are placed out of state. In order for them to return to Rhode Island, we must procure services, supports and respective placements. That will cost money. So, we’ll need to make larger investments up front to transition youth back home safely and successfully.  

What is a typical workday like for you?

Every day looks a bit different. The OCA provides advocacy through a broad statutory mandate. We can proceed with legal advocacy, legislative advocacy, policy reform, public education, educational advocacy, investigations and participate in task forces/committees, just to name a few of our responsibilities. Our day to day is ever-changing and responsive to pressing needs while we continue our work on long-term systemic change.

Some of the child abuse cases that you’ve investigated must have been extremely difficult to stomach, psychologically. How are you able to avoid or deal with secondary trauma?

Yes, human services can be a very difficult field. Many professionals experience secondary trauma due to the cases we see in our work. Outside of work, I do my best to prioritize self-care, quality time with family and friends and enjoy traveling, when possible. However, for me, having the support of such a tremendous team at OCA as we navigate challenging cases makes all the difference in long-term success in this field.

You’ve spent over a decade investigating the abuse and neglect of children. At the end of the day, what satisfaction do you get from your work?

My satisfaction comes from improving outcomes for children and youth. This work is challenging, but I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and passionate team. 

How did Rhode Island College prepare you for the work you do today?

I’m fortunate enough to have received a well-rounded educational experience at Rhode Island College. My classes and experiences throughout my education at RIC cultivated my interest and passion in pursuing a law degree and continuing on to a career in public service. 
 

For more information on degrees in justice studies and sociology at Rhode Island College, visit the Department of Sociology website.