Family Service of Rhode Island’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) is a 24/7, no-cost crisis response program for children and youth ages 2 to 21. 

Whether it’s a child in emotional distress, a teen experiencing a mental health crisis, or a family struggling to manage intense behaviors—MRSS sends trained clinicians directly to the home, school, or community within about an hour.

We help stabilize the situation, support the family, and connect youth to longer-term care.

  Free to all Rhode Island families
No referral or insurance required
Available day or night, all year long

Call Crisis Support Line: (401) 854-6678
Learn more: https://www.familyserviceri.org/programs/crisis-response-services/

May is Foster Care Awareness Month—a time to honor the incredible strength, resilience, and love that exists within foster families, biological families, and most importantly, within the children and youth who navigate the foster care system every day. According to the most recent data, approximately 1,272 children under the age of 21 are in the care of Rhode Island’s Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) and living in out-of-home placements.

At Family Service of Rhode Island, we believe that every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow, heal, and thrive. Foster care is not about replacing families—it’s about wrapping around children and their parents with the support they need during times of crisis. When families face challenges, foster parents step in as partners in care, offering stability and compassion while maintaining the goal of reunification whenever possible.

We are always in need of more foster parents—especially those who reflect the diverse communities we serve and who are open to older youth, sibling groups, and children with complex needs. If you’ve ever considered opening your heart and home, know that you won’t do it alone. Our dedicated team stands beside every foster parent with training, resources, and 24/7 support.

The Need in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is facing a shortage of foster homes, especially for:

• Sibling groups so brothers and sisters can stay together.
• Teens, who often wait the longest for placement.
• Children with medical or behavioral needs, who require specialized care.
• Children of color and LGBTQ+ youth, who deserve affirming, culturally responsive placements.

Too often, children are placed far from their communities—or even in institutional settings—because there simply aren’t enough foster families available. You can help change that.

Who Can Foster?

Foster parents come from all walks of life. You can be single, married, partnered, LGBTQ+, a renter or homeowner, a parent or not. What matters most is your willingness to open your heart and home to a child in need.

With support and training provided through agencies like [Family Service of Rhode Island], you don’t have to do it alone. Foster parents are part of a team that includes social workers, therapists, and educators—all working together to help children heal and thrive.

How You Can Help

• Become a foster parent: If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time. Reach out to learn more, ask questions, and explore whether it’s right for you.
• Spread the word: Share this post or talk to friends and family about the need for foster parents.
• Support foster families: Offer practical help like meals, childcare, or mentorship to those already fostering in your community.

This month, and every month, we celebrate the village it takes to care for our children—and we thank you for being a part of it. Foster care isn’t easy—but it is deeply rewarding. By opening your home, you can help a child feel safe, valued, and loved.

Learn more about becoming a foster parent at: https://www.familyserviceri.org/programs/foster-care/

This year, the need remains just as urgent. Rising costs and ongoing challenges mean more families are reaching out to Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI) for help. And once again, we’re asking you to make it possible to bring joy, hope, and empowerment to children and families who need it most.

Here’s how you can give the gift of hope this holiday season:

Gift Cards

The Most Empowering Gift: By giving a gift card, you allow parents the dignity of choosing exactly what their children need—whether it’s clothing, essentials, or the perfect toy that brings a smile.

• Gift Card Wishlist

Specific Gifts by Age Group

Fulfill the wishes of children at every stage of childhood:

• Early Childhood Wishlist
• Teen Wishlist

Make a Donation

Your contribution helps us bring light and joy to families who might otherwise go without:

• Donate Here

Last year, your generosity helped fulfill the wishes of every child who came to us for support. This year, we know that the need will be just as great, and we need your help to make this happen again.

You can be the reason children in Rhode Island wake up with smiles on their faces, knowing they are loved and cared for by their community. Together, we can continue to make the holidays magical for those who need it most.

Thank you for being the heart of this effort. Because of you, brighter days are possible for the families we serve.

October marks LGBTQ History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions, challenges, and triumphs of LGBTQ individuals throughout history. It’s an opportunity to recognize the courageous trailblazers who have fought for equality, visibility, and inclusion, and to celebrate the progress that has been made toward a more just and equitable society.

LGBTQ History Month allows us to honor the achievements of individuals who have not only shaped the world in fields such as culture, politics, science, and the arts, but have also championed human rights and equality for all. From the bravery of activists during the Stonewall Riots to the modern legal victories that have advanced LGBTQ rights, this month serves as a reminder that the journey for equality is ongoing—and it is one that involves us all.

At Family Service of Rhode Island, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where all people are respected, valued, and empowered. In alignment with this commitment, we are proud to announce that we have achieved Safe Zone Certification through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. This certification reflects our dedication to creating an affirming and supportive space for LGBTQ clients, staff, and community members.

Safe Zone Certifications

Safe Zone Certification demonstrates that our team has completed specialized training to enhance our understanding of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals. It also ensures that we are providing services that are culturally competent and inclusive of all identities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or background.

As we celebrate LGBTQ History Month and embrace the importance of equality and inclusion, Family Service of Rhode Island remains committed to serving our community with compassion and care. Our Safe Zone Certification is one step in our continued efforts to ensure that our workplace and services provide a safe and affirming environment for all.

Let’s use this month to educate ourselves, honor those who have fought for LGBTQ rights, and continue advocating for a brighter, more inclusive future.

If you are interested in learning more about the Safe Zone certification through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, visit: https://www.bcbsri.com/safezones

Official Safe Zone Press Release: https://www.bcbsri.com/newsroom/press-releases/bcbsri-certifies-22-new-sites-lgbtq-safe-zones-bringing-total-more-130

The CCBHC model represents a national standard for delivering high-quality, coordinated behavioral health care. This model is designed to address the critical needs of individuals facing mental health challenges and substance use disorders, ensuring they receive the support and services they deserve.

The Importance of Access to Behavioral Health Services

Access to substance use and behavioral health services is more important now than ever. Many individuals and families struggle with mental health issues and substance use disorders, often feeling isolated and without the necessary resources to seek help. The CCBHC model helps bridge this gap by offering a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Outpatient Mental Health Services
• Substance Use Treatment
• Home and Community-Based Services
• Crisis Services
• Primary Care Coordination
• Community Education and Support

By integrating these services, we can provide holistic care that not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term recovery and wellness. This approach has been shown to improve community health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and support providers in delivering higher quality, more sustainable services.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

“The certification as a CCBHC is more than just a designation; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make generational change to the behavioral health system in our state. It allows us to expand our reach, improve the quality of care, and ultimately enhance the lives of the individuals and families we serve. Our commitment to healthy families and strong communities drives everything we do.” Said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of Rhode Island.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward in our journey as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we remain dedicated to creating a healthier community for all. We invite you to join us in this mission, whether by seeking help for yourself or a loved one, advocating for mental health awareness, or supporting our programs and initiatives. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to the behavioral health services they need to thrive. Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to sharing more updates on our progress in the coming months.

If you are passionate about social work, healthcare, administration, or community outreach, we have opportunities waiting for you! Find our available positions online at www.familyserviceri.org/careers

Find Help

For more information about our services or to find help, click here or call (401) 519-2280. Your wellness is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Family Service of Rhode Island Is your partner in Health, Hope, Healing, and Home.

24/7 Crisis Support Line Available –

If you are having suicidal thoughts, experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or are witnessing someone in crisis, please call 988 or (401) 854-6678.

Life Threatening & Medical Emergencies –

For a health emergency, like severe chest pain, trouble breathing, seizures, or a head injury, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. You should also call 911 if you or someone you care about are in immediate danger or threatening to hurt themselves.

To the families and friends of the fallen, I am one of the many Rhode Islanders whose hearts are broken by this senseless tragedy. I am so very sorry for your loss. Beyond being sorry, I commit myself to taking the actions needed to prevent this from happening again, over and over. And I call on my colleagues and peers in this state, families with children, as well as all of our neighbors across the country to join me in action – to go beyond “thoughts and prayers.”

The first step is sensible gun control – keeping assault rifles out of the hands of our kids. But this is not the only step. We need to get serious and make real changes and investments in children’s mental health – which are at emergent levels now and have been for some time. During the decade before 2020, our youth faced persistent sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors at staggering rates. And COVID’s academic disruption and social isolation further exacerbated those conditions. Study after study has shown that our kids’ levels of anxiety and depression continue to skyrocket. We need to change the status quo radically, or these tragedies will continue.

Here’s what I suggest: 1) Require that every child and teen to get a mental health check, just like an annual physical, each year and those identified as needing support be immediately linked with their family, to behavioral health services in their community. 2) Increase in-school mental health supports for kids. Teachers are not trained to address the types and levels of concerns that kids are bringing with them to the classroom every day; get more child and family behavioral health professionals into the schools to help our struggling kids. 3) Treat the mental health crisis among kids as seriously as we would for adults – meaning we need to invest, significantly, in the programs and the people to address this crisis. Waiting lists are unacceptable! Our kids need help and they need it now.

With this said, I have asked my colleagues at Family Service of Rhode Island to be on standby. If your kid needs help, right now, call us at 401-519-2280. Our children’s mobile crisis team can respond to your home or community and help you and your kid get the support you need and hopefully prevent the need for psychiatric hospitalization or harm to themselves or others. And finally, 4) Invest in programs like FSRI’s nationally recognized Go Team police partnership model, where social workers go out on patrol with police officers to prevent violence and when bad things happen they support the victims to reduce the impact of trauma, especially on children, so that one traumatic event does not perpetuate into a cycle of violence that is passed down across generations.

I urge you, reading these words right now, to pick up your pen or open your email and let me know if you agree with Family Service of Rhode Island that beyond expressing some sad rhetoric, our kids deserve real change. Join us! We need partners, investment and action, NOW. Contact me at info@familyserviceri.org or at Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO, Family Service of RI, PO BOX 6688, Providence RI 02940 and let me know how you want to get involved. Our kids deserve better. And together, we can make that happen for them.

Kane joins FSRI with over 20 years of experience in financial leadership roles across various sectors, including nonprofit, healthcare, and corporate environments. Her strategic vision and operational acumen have consistently driven organizational growth and efficiency, making her an ideal fit for FSRI’s mission-driven work.

“We are thrilled to welcome Addy Kane to our executive leadership team,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of Rhode Island. “Her deep understanding of financial strategy and her passion for serving the community align perfectly with our goals as we continue to enhance our services and outreach. We look forward to the contributions she will make to advance our mission.”

In her new role as CFO, Kane will oversee all financial operations at FSRI, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting. She will work closely with the executive team to ensure the financial sustainability and growth of the organization, supporting FSRI’s programs and initiatives that address the needs of Rhode Island’s most vulnerable populations.

“I am honored to join Family Service of Rhode Island, an organization with a long history of making a positive impact in the community,” said Kane. “I am excited to contribute to the important work being done here and to help shape the financial strategies that will support FSRI’s continued success and expansion.”

Family Service of Rhode Island has been a cornerstone of support in the community for over a century, offering a wide range of services, including mental health counseling, child and family welfare, and educational programs. The addition of Kane to the leadership team comes at a pivotal time as the organization looks to expand its reach and continue its legacy of service. For more information about Family Service of Rhode Island and its services, please visitwww.familyserviceri.org.

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About Us: At Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI), we succeed by lifting others. Founded in 1892, our long history of non-profit service has always been tailored to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of the diverse Rhode Island community in which we serve. We have three offices located in Providence, but our employees provide impactful services state-wide. We are engaged, committed, and passionate about our work helping others, and care deeply about our mission to advance equity, opportunity, and hope in our communities.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Will Tregaskis at 401-744-3565 or emailtregaskiswi@familyserviceri.org.

Are you ready to make an impact? On April 1st, join Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI) as we participate in 401 Gives Day, a day dedicated to giving back and supporting the vital work of nonprofits across Rhode Island. Here’s how YOU can be a game-changer:

• Donate: Your donation, no matter the size, can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Visit our dedicated 401 Gives Day donation page to contribute and help us continue providing essential services to our community.
• Spread the Word: Sharing is caring! Spread the word about FSRI’s mission with your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to join you in supporting FSRI on 401 Gives Day. Together, we can amplify our impact and reach even more people in need.
• Connect with Us: Stay connected with FSRI by following us on social media. Get updates, hear success stories, and catch a glimpse into the meaningful work your support makes possible. Your engagement and support are invaluable to us.

With your support, we can make a real difference on April 1st and beyond. Let’s come together as a community to create positive change and uplift those who need it most. Thank you for being a part of our mission to build a brighter future for Rhode Islanders. Together, we can achieve great things!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for April 1st and join us in making 401 Gives Day a success. Together, we can make a lasting impact!

Donate using 401Gives

https://www.givegab.com/nonprofits/family-service-of-rhode-island

Early Intervention is a proven program where highly skilled pediatric nurses, therapists, and case managers help at-risk children overcome developmental delays such as walking, talking, and eating – and they provide this care in a child’s home or community.

These interventions are time-sensitive – they must happen during the critical brain development before a child turns three. Kids who receive early intervention during this timeframe have a good chance of catching up on developmental milestones and performing well in school and life. Children who can’t get these services, however, may lag behind.

Too many RI children have not been able to access this care when they need it. But this is about to change. The Governor’s investment in the Early Intervention workforce will halt the tide of skilled workers leaving this state and profession for better-paying jobs elsewhere. This measure keeps this talent here, in Rhode Island, for our kids and our communities.

I fully support this budget measure, and I encourage everyone who is part of Team RI to join me. Together, we can help our kids to reach their true potential.

Margaret Holland McDuff has served as Family Service of RI CEO since 2001, which is a statewide behavioral health and early intervention agency. McDuff has worked in social services in the state since the 1980s. She serves on the Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health, the board of directors of Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, and the board of directors of the Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families.

Published on Go Local Providence: https://www.golocalprov.com/news/funding-early-intervention-is-a-big-win-for-ri-margaret-holland-mcduff