R.I. R. Juv. P. 20

(a) Evidence. At a probable cause hearing

requested pursuant to Rule 18(b)(5), credible hearsay evidence may be admitted in

the discretion of the court. The petitioner may submit a signed physician's report,

which while not conclusive, shall constitute prima facie evidence to support

continued detention of a child pursuant to the ex parte order pending a trial on the

underlying allegations of dependency, neglect, and/or abuse on the merits. The

petitioner shall furnish the court with all available relevant evidence whether or not

the evidence supports the petition.

(b) Findings. The court shall make findings as to whether there is probable cause

to remove the child from the parent's care, whether the Department of Children,

Youth, and Families has made reasonable efforts to prevent removal of the child

from the home, and whether continued detention in the custody of the Department

of Children, Youth, and Families is in the best interests of the child. If the court

orders continued detention of the child, the court shall state the reasons underlying

each of the courts findings.