Welcome to Lived Expert Advocacy (LExA), where we champion social systems change through the powerful voices of lived expert consultants, advocates, and changemakers.
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On October 14, 2025, the Special Legislative Commission to Study Educational Outcomes for Children in State Care convened; marking a pivotal moment for youth whose lives too often navigate systems that don’t fully support them. The meeting, broadcast by Capitol TV RI, provides a transparent stage for meaningful policy conversation. (Capitol TV)
In Providence, conversations about housing affordability often point toward those with the least resources but a growing body of evidence shows that even middle-income workers are being priced out of the city they serve. My recent Providence Journal piece underscored this reality, revealing how families once considered stable are now facing unprecedented financial strain due to rising housing costs.
A permanency and transition-age support model inspired by best practices from Casey Family Programs, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and Rhode Island’s evolving youth-care landscape.
The SOUL Family Framework is a relational permanency and transition-age support model emphasizing the creation of lifelong, stable, caring connections for youth involved in child welfare and adjacent systems.
The introduction of the SOUL Family Framework to Rhode Island began through the leadership of Christian J. Lachapelle-Miller & the Director of the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) Ashley Deckert, MSW, MA.
Rhode Island has made meaningful progress through partnerships with Casey Family Programs, enhanced youth engagement, and the Voluntary Extension of Care (VEC) program—but too many young people still exit care without stable, lifelong relationships.
