About
Child & Family
Our History
Our History
1866
The Civil War ends in 1865 and one year later the Home for Friendless Children opens its doors at 24 School Street, Newport, RI
1878
The Charity Organization Society of Newport is founded & is later renamed “Family Services Society” in 1946
1917
The Home issues its first appeal for funds during Christmas. 100 paper bags are distributed and 90 are returned, providing abundantly for the Home
1924
The Home establishes a Daycare for children of working mothers
1929
The Wall Street Crash of 1929, also known at Black Tuesday, ushers in the Great Depression along with 2,263 applications for assistance, an increase of 882 more than any year in the Home’s history
1932
“We plan that each child have at least a dime to spend.” (December Log)
1956
The Home for Friendless Children is renamed The Children’s Home of Newport
1960
Orphanages become obsolete nationwide and the Home transitions into a short-term Emergency Care Facility
1966
The Home celebrates its Centennial Anniversary
1968
The Home adds Counseling Services, becoming a “Case Work Agency”
1970
The Home and The Family Services Society merge to become Child & Family Services of Newport County (CFS). CFS establishes its Elder Services program
1996
CFS opens Winslow Place, a shelter for homeless women & their children
2007
CFS rebrands to Child & Family
2009
Child & Family moves from its home of almost 145 years to the newly constructed multi-service Community Center in Middletown
2012
Child & Family is selected as one of two lead agencies in the State’s new System of Care for children & families and acquires Casey Family Services’ Foster Care program
2015
Child & Family conducts Strategic Plan
2016
Child & Family commences its 150th Anniversary celebration
2021 Child & Family celebrates its 155th Birthday
August 14, 2021 Child & Family celebrated their 155th Birthday with a soiree at Belle Mer on Goat Island in Newport, RI.
2022 Child & Family launches a brand new website.
March 1, 2023, Child & Family launched a brand new website.
About Child & Family (est. 1866)
Child & Family supports resilient families, vulnerable children, and elders throughout Rhode Island. Family Preservation is an important goal of every program and service we provide.
We believe that individuals and communities thrive when supported by strong families, and that a community works best when it accepts responsibility for all of its members.
As one of the largest social service agencies in RI, we operate community engagement centers in Providence and Middletown. Our home-based and community-based programs bring services to individuals and families across RI.
Child & Family Programs
- FOSTER CARE
- RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
- INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM FOR FORMER FOSTER YOUTH
- FAMILY CARE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP (FCCP)
- FAMILY STABILIZATION PROGRAM (FSP)
- FUNCTIONAL FAMILY THERAPY (FFT)
- FAMILY CENTERED TREATMENT (FCT)
- SANDPIPERS EARLY LEARNING CENTER
- SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES
- VOLUNTEER & INTERN PROGRAM
- VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT (VOCA) PROGRAMS
- MEDICARE / MEDICAID ENROLLMENT COUNSELING
- CASE MANAGEMENT FOR ELDERS
- IN-HOME BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELING FOR ELDERS