Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services could stand to revisit federal oversight that lifted in 2017, say child welfare advocates and legal experts. The court settlement known as “Brian A” required that the state spend money on critical improvements, like having enough case managers so they didn’t handle more than 20 children at a time.
Problems at Tennessee DCS prompt advocates to call for reforms, with less emphasis on facilities
As Tennessee legislators eye reforms at the Department of Children’s Services, advocates are asking them to focus on family and community-based support, instead of expanding facilities.
Lawmakers look for answers to fix issues within DCS after a harsh audit and disturbing allegations
There’s been an outcry for years about the poor living conditions for children in the care of Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services.
Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services is failing the state’s most vulnerable kids, a new audit warns
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has found that the Department of Children’s Services is struggling to provide for the state’s most vulnerable kids. The new audit is just the latest evidence of increased scrutiny of the Department’s performance.
A Drop In Tennessee Child Abuse Calls Has Leadership Worried About Cases Going Unreported
Since the coronavirus closed Tennessee schools and many day cares, Tennessee’s child abuse hotline has seen a significant decrease in calls. For children’s services leadership, that’s troubling.
Opioid Crisis Strains DCS Budget With More Foster Kids
Listen The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services has asked Gov. Bill Lee to increase its funding to continue its work with kids in foster care. The department said it needs $78 million more to successfully serve an increase in children in the foster system.
Tennessee Foster System Shows ‘Sustained Progress’ Caring For Vulnerable Children
Listen In the past two years, Tennessee’s foster care system showed “sustained major improvements” caring for vulnerable children, according to a study out this week. The findings mean that intense outside reviews of the Department of Children’s Services will likely end next year.
Why Are So Many More TN Kids In Foster Care? DCS Chief Blames Drugs
The number of children in Tennessee’s foster care system is back near 8,500, up from a low of 7,000 four years ago. And according to the Department of Children’s Services, illegal drug-use is largely to blame.
Now Everyone Who Ages Out Of Foster Care In Tennessee Gets A Fixer
Tennessee may be the first state in the country to offer every teenager who leaves the foster care system a personal guide into adulthood. Officials have announced the expansion of case management to every kid who ages out of state custody.
Interim DCS Chief Made Permanent
The man appointed to temporarily head the embattled Department of Children’s Services will be there a while longer. Tuesday Governor Bill Haslam announced Jim Henry will become the permanent DCS commissioner.
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