Requires every school district to render assistance and cooperation within its jurisdictional power to further the objects of this chapter, to wit, providing the courts with any information concerning a child as the court may require.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would require every school district in Rhode Island to cooperate with the state's Family Court system when it comes to cases involving children. Specifically, schools would be obligated to provide judges and the court with any information they have about a child when the court asks for it. This applies in cases dealing with delinquent or dependent children — meaning situations where a young person may have gotten into legal trouble or where a child's welfare or safety is a concern.

The bill affects public school districts across Rhode Island, as well as the children and families who appear before Family Court. When a judge is handling a case involving a minor, they would be able to request relevant information from that child's school — such as attendance records, behavioral history, or other details the court determines are necessary. Schools would then be legally required to provide that assistance rather than having it be optional or at the district's discretion.

Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced through the legislative process. The practical impact of this legislation would be to strengthen the connection between the education and court systems to help ensure judges have a fuller picture of a child's situation when making important decisions about their care or legal standing.