Foster care (also known as out-of-home care) is a temporary service provided by each state for children who cannot live with their families. Children in foster care may live with relatives or with unrelated foster parents. Foster care can also refer to placement settings such as group homes, residential care facilities, emergency shelters, and supervised independent living.
In Tennessee, foster care is managed by the Department of Children's Services (DCS). It is designed as a temporary arrangement for children who are unable to live with their biological families due to safety concerns, abuse, neglect, or other circumstances that prevent the family from providing adequate care. Foster care placements can include living with approved relatives, which is often the first option considered, or with unrelated foster parents who have been trained and licensed to provide care for children. Other placement options include group homes, residential care facilities, emergency shelters, and supervised independent living programs for older youth. The goal of foster care in Tennessee is to provide a safe, nurturing, and temporary environment for children, with the ultimate aim of reuniting them with their families whenever possible. If reunification is not possible, other permanent solutions such as adoption may be pursued. Tennessee state statutes and regulations govern the operation of the foster care system, including the certification of foster parents and the rights and well-being of children in foster care.