Tennessee General Assembly passes Savannah Grace Copeland Act to boost child advocacy funding

On February 18, 2025, the Tennessee State Legislature introduced Senate Bill 450, known as the "Savannah Grace Copeland Act," aimed at enhancing the support and funding for child advocacy centers across the state. This legislative proposal comes in response to a troubling rise in child abuse and neglect cases, with reported deaths increasing nearly thirty percent in the past year.

The bill's primary objective is to ensure that any increase in funding for the Department of Children's Services (DCS) related to child protective services is matched by a significant boost in funding for child advocacy centers. Specifically, the legislation mandates that 75% of any funding increase for DCS must be allocated to these centers, which play a crucial role in providing services to child victims. The bill sets a baseline funding level for child advocacy center contracts at $127,855.98 and establishes a minimum of $85,000 for forensic child interviewers.

During discussions surrounding the bill, legislators highlighted the urgent need for improved resources to combat the rising rates of child abuse. Supporters of the bill argue that adequate funding is essential for child advocacy centers to effectively serve vulnerable populations and ensure thorough investigations into allegations of abuse.

However, the bill has not been without controversy. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the sustainability of funding increases, questioning whether the state can consistently provide the necessary financial support in future fiscal years. Additionally, there are debates regarding the allocation of resources and whether the proposed funding levels are sufficient to meet the growing demands faced by child advocacy centers.

The implications of Senate Bill 450 are significant, as it seeks to address critical gaps in the support system for child victims in Tennessee. Experts in child welfare have expressed optimism that the bill could lead to improved outcomes for children in crisis, provided that the funding mechanisms are effectively implemented and maintained.

As the legislative process unfolds, the future of the Savannah Grace Copeland Act will depend on continued discussions and potential amendments aimed at addressing concerns raised by both supporters and opponents. The bill represents a pivotal step toward strengthening the state's commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens.