Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services TNDCS is facing a significant challenge in providing adequate care for children in state custody, with over 200 children currently placed in out-of-state facilities due to a shortage of resources.
The department’s most costly services have seen increasing demand, particularly for children with complex needs, including psychiatric issues, neurodevelopmental disorders, and severe behavioral challenges. This surge has led to the need for out-of-state placements, with 229 children now cared for across 15 states, including Alabama, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
This issue is not solely due to a lack of foster homes, but rather the specialized care required for these children.
As the number of children with such complex needs continues to rise, the department faces mounting costs and limited in-state capacity. Darci Halfman, from the Tennessee Alliance for Children and Families, emphasized the negative impact of out-of-state placements on family relationships, as it becomes difficult for families to visit and maintain contact.
COVID-19 has exacerbated the situation, leading many potential foster parents to rethink their involvement due to concerns about the pandemic’s long-term effects. This shortage of foster homes is further compounded by the scarcity of therapeutic foster homes in Tennessee, which are essential for children transitioning from more intensive treatments.
The state is actively working on solutions, including recruiting additional foster care providers and expanding capacity within Tennessee. The Department has proposed a real estate plan, including the construction of new juvenile justice centers and intake facilities, funded by $19 million and $88 million, respectively.
However, the ongoing need for more resources highlights the complexity of managing the growing number of children in foster care, now totaling around 9,000 in Tennessee.
