Rhode Island KIDS COUNT advances equitable policies that improve the lives of all Rhode Island children and eliminate disparities through the power of data, advocacy, and civic action.
Our vision is that every child in Rhode Island—regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, zip code, immigration status, neighborhood, or income—will thrive in a community where they are healthy, safe, educated, and economically secure.
With the generous support of our funders and the community, we are able to provide information on child well-being, stimulate dialogue on children’s issues, and promote equity, accountability, and action.
Be the first to know! Our e-news is a great way to hear about the latest events, advocacy opportunities, what we’re up to, and more. See all of our e-news and be added to our email list!
Our latest editions:
Meet + Greet w RI Governor Candidates!
Our 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up
New releases & recent events
MEET + GREETS with RI GOVERNOR CANDIDATES! (virtual on Zoom) These 30-minute events will be hosted by our Executive Director, Paige Parks, and will give you the chance to hear directly from and ask questions to the candidates about kids’ issues! Registration is required for each event:
KEN BLOCK: August 11, 1:00pm–1:30pm, registration here
JAY GOTRA: August 11, 2:00pm–2:30pm, registration here
AARON GUCKIAN: August 13, 3:00pm–3:30pm, registration here
HELENA FOULKES: August 13, 4:00pm–4:30pm, registration here
- Legislative Wrap-Up: Our 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up highlights legislative victories for children and summarizes selected laws and budget appropriations in the areas of economic well-being, early learning and development, education, health, and safety that were considered during the 2026 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly. We hope this is a helpful resource as you continue your work on behalf of Rhode Island’s children and families!
- New Fact Sheet on Infant Mental Health: Despite the increase in national conversations about mental health, early childhood mental health has been largely ignored or misunderstood. With increased understanding, we can do more to help very young children and their families build a solid foundation and support them when they face mental health challenges. Please see Supporting the Mental Health of Babies and Young Children in Rhode Island.
- We are thrilled to share the 2026 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook with you!
- Rhode Island’s children and families continue to experience both progress and persistent challenges. Ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive will require sustained attention to equity, economic stability, and the use of reliable data to guide decision-making.
- Please also see the Executive Summary, the data presentation, and release event pictures.
- Learn how to advocate! We believe communities most impacted by public policy have the power to lead and create change. Communities deserve to understand how decisions are made, how to use their voices to influence policy, and how to organize for meaningful change. To help make this happen, we created a two-page guide to state policy and testifying at the Rhode Island General Assembly!
- Please also see this publication in Spanish: Pasos de acción para la abogacía en Rhode Island
- Related: Our 2026 Budgetary & Legislative Priorities
In the news
- How local leaders are responding to planned Head Start changes…WPRI 12
- Advocates celebrate legislative victories benefitting RI children and families…WPRI 12
- Youth justice in Rhode Island depends on where you live. Enter a new legislative study commission…RI Current
- KIDS COUNT: R.I. ranks last in N.E. for child well-being…Providence Business News
- Rhode Island urged to think long-term on improving kids’ outcomes…Public News Service
- Rhode Island slips to 26th for child well-being in national KIDS COUNT report…What’s Up Newp
- Child support is not state revenue: Rhode Island urged to stop seizing child support from low-income families…The Boston Globe
- From chaos to college, this RI program is a ‘game changer’ for foster kids
- Over 15% of Rhode Island kids live in poverty — and advocates say housing costs are making it worse…Ocean State Media
- Federal data gaps aside, poverty on the rise as RI families struggle to meet basic living expenses…Rhode Island Current
- Media coverage continued
The Factbook
Published annually since 1995, The Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook is the primary publication of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT.
The Factbook Breakfast is held annually in the Spring to release our most important publication – The Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook.
Over the past three decades, the annual Factbook release has become the largest children’s public policy event of the year, and is attended by more than 500 community leaders and elected officials.
Sponsors
Sponsoring a Rhode Island KIDS COUNT event is a great opportunity to show the community your commitment to uplifting child well-being and support of youth equity.
Whether you choose to be a sponsor for a single event or all of our events during the year, the benefits you receive will showcase your commitment to Rhode Island’s youth and support the incredibly important work we do as a non-profit organization. Please see our sponsorship opportunities that are available.
Together, we can strengthen Rhode Island communities, elevate children and families, and amplify your impact — both in the lives you help change and the audiences you reach.
Please contact us for more information about our sponsorship opportunities.
2026 Gold Tier Sponsor – thank you!
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