Whitehouse Announces $430,000 in Federal Funding to Expand Mental Health Services at Children’s Friend

Providence, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today joined staff and board members of Children’s Friend in Providence to tour its therapeutic classrooms and announce $430,000 in federal funding for the non-profit.

“Children’s Friend does heroic work to support some of Rhode Island’s most vulnerable children and families,” said Whitehouse.  “It is wonderful to see this funding at work ensuring that kids facing mental health challenges can get individualized care that meets their needs.”

Whitehouse secured the earmark in the 2026 minibus, allowing Children’s Friend to expand mental health assessments, clinical capacity, therapeutic classroom visits, and staff training.  The funding will allow Children’s Friend to improve individualized mental health and disabilities services for over 800 children enrolled in its early childhood centers and to almost double the organization’s behavioral health staffing.

“The mental health needs of young children are growing and are often overlooked.  Yet we know that early intervention can make a profound difference in a child’s life.  Thanks to Senator Whitehouse’s leadership and commitment to Rhode Island’s children and families, this $430,000 investment will allow Children’s Friend to expand critical mental health services to our young children.  This funding will improve services and support for over 800 children in our early childhood centers.  This funding is about giving children the clinical support they need at the earliest possible age, equipping educators with the tools to respond to their needs, and helping families build a stronger foundation for the future,” said David Caprio, President and CEO of Children’s Friend.

Founded in 1834, Children’s Friend is one of the nation’s oldest child-serving organizations and a leading provider of early childhood education and family support services in Rhode Island.  Through early childhood education and care sites in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls, Children’s Friend provides comprehensive educational, developmental, and mental health services to young children and families, helping build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.

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