Two R.I. initiatives recognized as ‘bright ideas’ by Harvard University

TWO RHODE ISLAND INITIATIVES were recognized as
TWO RHODE ISLAND INITIATIVES were recognized as "Bright Ideas" by Harvard University's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. /

CAMBRIDGE – Rhode Island’s Real Connections program and Liquor Compliancy Online were selected as two of 173 Bright Ideas recognized by Harvard University’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Bright Ideas, in its inaugural year, recognizes creative government initiatives nationwide with the public sector, nonprofit groups and academic communities. The Ash Center hopes government officials and public servants will use the “bright ideas” as an inspiration to solve their own challenges.
Bright Ideas complements the long-standing Innovations in American Government Awards program, the Ash Center said in a press release on Sept. 29.
“For [more than] 20 years we have been honoring the country’s most creative public-sector initiatives through our Innovations in American Government Awards Program,” said Anthony Saich, director of the Ash Center. “The creation of Bright Ideas was a natural next step to shed light on an even greater number of noteworthy programs and practices across our nation and to encourage practitioners to make these ideas work in their own backyards.”
Real Connections, selected from 600 applicants, serves youth who are in danger of “aging out” of foster care without permanent adult supports in their lives. The program matches youth with adult mentors to cultivate connections towards becoming foster, guardianship or adoptive relationships.
The Rhode Island Foster Parents Association and the R.I. Department of Children, Youth and Families founded the program in 2006. In 2009, RIFPA and RIDCYF, along with seven other agencies, received a three-year, $2 million federal grant to expand the initial 40 youths to more than 500 children.
“This recognition … validates the work we have undertaken and the goal to ensure every youth needs and deserves lasting connections to support them as they leave the structure of the more formal child welfare system,” said Patricia Martinez, director of the R.I. Department of Children, Youth & Families.
Rhode Island’s Liquor Compliancy Online allows alcohol beverage manufacturers to fulfill regulations that require them to register alcohol products sold within the state, the Ash Center said noting manufacturers can renew, add and remove product label registrations through an online service.

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