R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-21

In order to insure continuity of the administrative business of the state, the actual transfer of functions, or any part thereof, to the department of children, youth and families from the department of human services, department of corrections, department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, and department of community affairs may be postponed after January 1, 1980, until a time as, by executive order of the governor, the transfer can be put into force and effect.