PROVIDENCE, RI – On Aug 13th, Governor Dan McKee was joined by members of his cabinet and legislative leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Department of Children Youth & Families (DCYF) female adolescent residential campus on state-owned land off Main Street in Exeter. The 16-bed facility will provide a new Rhode Island-based option to address the behavioral health needs of female youth ages 13 to 18. Construction is scheduled for completion by late Spring 2026. 

Emceed by Secretary Richard Charest of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the speaking program featured House Oversight Committee Chair Patricia Serpa (D-District 27, West Warwick, Coventry), House Deputy Majority Leader Julie Casimiro (D-District 31, North Kingstown, Exeter), Senate Committee on Finance Chair Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton), Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture Committee Chair Alana M. DiMario (D-District 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham), and DCYF Director Ashley Deckert.  

“We know that Rhode Island needs more residential treatment beds for young women— not in another state, but here, in Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee. “In this state-of-the-art facility, these youth will be able to receive the care they need, with the ultimate goal of reunifying them with their families.”  

Funded with a three-year, $45 million capital projects appropriation, the new facility will include two eight-bedroom suites, activity rooms, classrooms, a media center, visitor space and staff offices. Recreational spaces will include a fitness center, gym, multi-use outdoor courts and a sports field. 

“As chairwoman of the House Oversight Committee, I’ve listened to the heartbreaking testimony of family members of children who desperately need the treatment provided in a facility like the one that will be built here,” said Representative Patricia A. Serpa. “For girls especially, our state needs to move swiftly to create more facilities like this one, and ensure that they are safe and offer high-quality programs that are well-staffed with caring professionals, and that the children in them are getting the services they need, close to home.”

“On Aug 13th, is a long time coming and Rhode Island will finally have a proper facility to help and support our state’s most vulnerable young women. Over the years, I have heard heartbreaking stories and intense frustration about Rhode Island not having the ability to care for the girls in our state who needed the most support. Starting from Aug 13th, the young women who will receive the aid they need and deserve in this facility, will know they are no longer forgotten,” said Representative Julie A. Casimiro. 

“Rhode Island must meet its obligations to our most vulnerable children, and members of the Senate have worked hard to bring attention and urgency to this issue,” said Senator Louis P. DiPalma. “I am grateful for the support of President Ruggerio, our leadership team, and my colleagues. I am also thankful for all the other leaders, stakeholders, and advocates who have taken up this cause. Aug 13th’s groundbreaking is a critical step forward, but there is so much work still to do, and our continued vigilance and sense of urgency is absolutely essential.” 

“In recent sessions, the Senate has been extremely focused on addressing the challenges facing our state’s children and families," said Senator Alana M. DiMario. “On Aug 13th, we mark a milestone in our efforts to meet the needs of one of Rhode Island’s most at-risk populations. Ensuring girls who need psychiatric care have appropriate treatment here in Rhode Island, connected to their families and communities, will have so many short- and long-term benefits.” 

“Across the Secretariat, we are focused on building a more robust continuum of care to ensure that Rhode Islanders receive the mental healthcare they require in settings that best meet their individual needs,” said EOHHS Secretary Richard Charest. “Construction of this residential facility will allow more Rhode Island girls to receive the residential treatment they need here in their home state. I greatly appreciate Governor McKee, the General Assembly, DCYF Director Deckert and our partners at the Rhode Island Family Court and the Office of the Child Advocate for their leadership and advocacy.”  

“Addressing the behavioral health needs of our female adolescents is not just a mission; it's a commitment to their futures. We are dedicated to ensuring that these young women receive the care they deserve right here in our state. Through our collaboration with EOHHS, the RI Family Court, and the Office of the Child Advocate, we are making significant strides toward establishing a new residential treatment facility in Rhode Island. This initiative is crucial for providing our youth with the support they need, fostering their well-being, and helping them thrive in a nurturing environment,” said Director Ashley Deckert.  

“The Department of Administration is pleased to see this project come to fruition, in part thanks to the many stakeholders who coalesced around this important program,” said Department of Administration Director Jonathan Womer. “I am proud that our Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) could be a part of a project that will provide meaningful supports and services to young females in the future.” 

The architect for the project is DBVW Architects. Peregrine Group LLC is the project manager and Gilbane Building Company is the general contractor.