Tennessee requires permanency plans within 30 days and trauma‑informed parent education for long‑term custody cases

The Tennessee Department of Children's Services presented rule changes on June 24 that require a permanency plan within 30 days of a child’s foster‑care placement and add a requirement that any parent whose child has been in state custody for six months or longer because of abuse or neglect must complete a trauma‑informed education class before a return to the parent will be approved.

Jim Layman, legislative director for DCS, said the updated rules implement statutory changes to Tennessee Code Annotated 37‑2‑403 and aim to accelerate planning and clarify responsibilities. Layman described the permanency plan as a “road map” that names goals for the child—return to parent, relative placement, adoption—and the services each family needs to reach the goals. The department held a rulemaking hearing on Dec. 3, 2024, and reported no public comments.

Committee members asked how the department handles children who are not U.S. citizens or whose parents are outside the country. Layman said the department assesses safety and works with federal partners where appropriate to determine the best plan for each child, including whether international reunification is safe and feasible. Senator Bolling asked whether state or federal courts would govern disposition; the department responded that placement and court orders are typically addressed through state court proceedings with coordination with federal agencies when immigration or cross‑border matters arise.

The committee approved the rule with a positive recommendation. DCS told the panel it will proceed to implement the updated timelines and supports and will coordinate with court deadlines and casework practices.