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Hendersonville proclaims May Foster Care Appreciation Month; Tennessee Kids Belong outlines recruitment goals
Summary
The Board proclaimed May 2026 as Foster Care Appreciation Month and heard Tennessee Kids Belong director Tiffany Kelly describe goals: reduce out-of-area placements, improve family retention and recruit foster-friendly businesses and faith partners.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on April 28 proclaimed May 2026 as Foster Care Appreciation Month and invited local partners to expand support for children in foster care.
Mayor Jamie Clary read the proclamation and introduced Tiffany Kelly, child welfare director for Tennessee Kids Belong, who briefed the board on the organization’s foster-friendly community initiative and local benchmarks. Kelly said the program aims to reduce trauma for children by keeping placements in-county and by strengthening supports for foster families.
Kelly told the board that roughly 67% of Sumner County children in foster care are placed outside the area and that about half of foster families do not remain past their first year due to lack of supports. She described a three-pronged approach: recruit foster families, expand faith-community supports (wrap teams, respite, resource closets) and enlist businesses to offer discounts and services. Hendersonville has grown to about 65 foster-friendly businesses and aims to reach 75, she said.
The director asked the city to help publicize recruitment events, support a suggested citywide community event to raise awareness, and encourage use of the foster-friendly app to connect families with local resources.
Mayor Clary commended the volunteers and the city’s existing partners. No formal action beyond the proclamation was taken; staff and the mayor encouraged follow-up coordination between Tennessee Kids Belong and city departments.
