Tennessee Department of Children's Services outlines 2025 budget to improve child welfare

The Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) is set to implement significant budget improvements aimed at enhancing child welfare services across the state. During a recent meeting of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, Commissioner Margie Quinn outlined a series of initiatives designed to address the needs of vulnerable children and families.

One of the most notable changes includes the extension of foster care support, raising the legal age for youth aging out of the system from 21 to 23. This initiative aims to provide additional stability for young adults transitioning out of foster care, a critical period where many face homelessness without adequate support.

Quinn reported a marked decrease in case manager turnover rates, dropping from 28.8% in 2022 to 11.9% this fiscal year. This improvement is attributed to strategic hiring and training efforts, with 75 new case managers expected to join the team in April. Additionally, the DCS has opened 72 new clinical assessment beds, reducing the number of children in transitional settings and improving access to necessary care.

The budget proposal also includes a cost-of-living increase for foster care and adoption assistance, as well as funding for child advocacy centers, which have not seen a salary increase for forensic interviewers in 15 years. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of care and support provided to children in the system.

Quinn emphasized the importance of data-driven strategies to address the changing needs of children in custody. The DCS is focusing on prevention and stability, particularly in rural areas where access to resources is limited. Programs like the Intercept initiative, which places counselors in homes to support families, are being expanded to help reduce the number of children entering custody.

The meeting also addressed safety concerns for case managers, with plans to provide state vehicles for transportation, enhancing both their safety and morale. The DCS is committed to continuous improvement and aims to transform its operations from a crisis-driven model to a more strategic approach.

As the DCS moves forward with these initiatives, the support from Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly remains crucial in ensuring that the department can effectively serve the children and families who rely on its services. The proposed budget improvements are expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of many Tennessee youth, fostering a more supportive and stable environment for their development.