Tennessee: Foster Care Rights

About this resource

Tennessee passed a law (SB 1015) that requires the Tennessee Department to create rules that make sure young people in foster care receive the rights they are entitled to, including:

(1) To go to school and receive an education that fits the child’s age and individual needs;
(2) To benefit from appropriate care and treatment in the least restrictive setting possible;
(3) To live in a safe, health environment free from abuse, neglect, and pests;
(4) To report any violation of personal rights specified in this section without fear of punishment, interference, coercion, or retaliation;
(5) To receive medical, dental, vision, and mental health services as recommended by an appropriate professional, and to be informed about diagnoses and treatment options as is developmentally appropriate;                                      (6) To be free from punishment in the form of restrictions on or supervision of contact with any legal representative, including any appointed guardian ad litem, attorney ad litem, or appointed counsel

If you feel your rights are not being respected, talk with your Family Service Worker (FSW), foster parent, or Guardian ad Litem (GAL). If issues remain unresolved after a Child and Family Team Meeting (CFTM), you can contact the DCS Customer Relations Unit:

1-800-861-1935
[email protected]