R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-73-2
The governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint a member of the bar of this state who has been admitted to practice law for at least three (3) years to fill the office of the child advocate, who shall be a person qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office as set forth in § 42-73-7. The appointment shall be made from a list of at least three (3) persons prepared and submitted by a committee consisting of two (2) attorneys appointed by the Rhode Island Bar Association; two (2) judges of the family court appointed by the chief judge; one medical doctor appointed by the Rhode Island Medical Society; one psychologist appointed by the Rhode Island Psychological Association; one social worker appointed by the Rhode Island Alliance of Social Service Employees; one person appointed as a representative of private children's agencies by the governor; one person representing the general public appointed by the governor; and one person appointed by the director of the department of human services. Six (6) members of the committee shall constitute a quorum. No one shall be eligible for appointment unless he or she is a resident of this state. The board shall elect from among the members a chair and a vice-chair. The person appointed child advocate shall hold office for a term of five (5) years and shall continue to hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-73-2