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Senate unanimously approves bill to establish foster‑youth rights and require DCS training
Summary
Senate Bill 10 15 as amended requires the Department of Children's Services to define and implement a set of rights for foster children, train staff, and provide age‑appropriate materials within 30 days of a child's placement; the bill passed 31–0.
The Tennessee Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 10 15 as amended on third and final consideration, adopting an education committee amendment that requires the Department of Children's Services (DCS) to implement a set of rights for children in foster care.
Sponsor Senator Hale described the legislation as a response to a former foster youth's advocacy: "This bill sets forth 6 basic rights that every foster child deserves and should expect," Hale said on the floor and enumerated rights that include access to appropriate education, treatment in the least‑restrictive setting, safe and healthy living conditions, and confidential access to legal and appointed representatives.
Amendment 1 requires DCS to train employees on the rights, create age‑appropriate materials in consultation with foster‑care stakeholders including alumni, provide those materials within 30 days of a child's entry into custody and review them annually, and update materials at least every five years.
The Senate voted 31 ayes and no nays; a motion to reconsider was tabled. After the vote, Hale introduced Ella Brennan, the former foster youth who helped draft the bill; senators applauded her work.
Ending: Sponsors and backers described the bill as a practical improvement to foster‑care practice; the statute requires administrative rulemaking and DCS training and materials to implement the rights listed on the Senate floor.
