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Department of Children's Services adopts rule requiring permanency plans within 30 days; trauma‑informed parent education required before reunification after 6+
Summary
DCS updated rules to require a permanency plan within 30 days of a child's removal from the home and to require parents whose children have been in state custody six months or longer due to abuse or neglect to complete trauma-informed education before reunification.
The Department of Children's Services presented rule updates that require permanency plans be developed within 30 days after a child is placed into foster care and that plans include a statement of responsibilities for the parents, the department and the case manager.
Jim Layman, legislative director for DCS, told the committee the changes reflect recent updates to Tennessee Code Annotated 37‑2‑403 and aim to give families and courts a clearer, earlier roadmap for reunification or other permanency outcomes. The rules also require that any parent whose child has been in state custody for six months or longer because of abuse or neglect complete a trauma‑informed education class before the child is returned to the parent.
Committee members discussed how DCS engages with parents and with federal authorities when children have immigration-related issues. DCS told the committee it assesses safety on an individualized basis, coordinates with federal agencies when appropriate and pursues the same permanency pathways (return to parent, kinship placement, adoption) depending on case-specific facts. The committee voted to advance the rules with a positive recommendation.
