PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) —  United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha is set to host a new conference this morning to announce an agreement to resolve violations of federal disability laws for children with disabilities in state care. Earlier in the year, an investigation by federal prosecutors had found the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families was in violation of federal civil rights laws. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island reported that the State of Rhode Island “routinely and unnecessarily segregated children” with mental health and/or developmental disabilities at Bradley Hospital in East Providence. “It is nothing short of appalling that the state has chosen to warehouse children in a psychiatric institution,” U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha said in a statement back in May. “Rather than stepping up to provide the community care, support, and services that these kids need, and that the law requires,” he said. Officials said the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights also played a role in the investigation, releasing a letter of findings to the governor and DCYF director detailing the federal government’s comprehensive, multi-year investigation. Details of the letter alleged that rather than providing services in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of these children, the state instead left them hospitalized at Bradley Hospital. The conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Categories: News