229 JUVENILES PLACED OUT OF STATE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT DCS RESOURCES

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Insufficient in-state resources are forcing the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services to place children with out-of-state providers, the department confirmed to WSMV4 on Thursday.
TDCS reports that the lack of resources is hindering its ability to support the complex needs of children in their care.
The department said it has secured resources to support these children by expanding its placement network to include out-of-state providers. As of October, 229 juveniles were placed with out-of-state providers, TDCS said.
“I’m unable to categorize which children are sent to certain facilities because the needs of our youth are quite complex. Some children are placed out of state simply due to capacity limitations in Tennessee. Others are placed out of state because their complex needs can’t be met here. There is also limited capacity in out-of-state systems, so our youth need to be spread out based on their needs and the available capacity in other systems,” a spokesperson with the department said.
TDCS is working to recruit additional providers in Tennessee, and its Real Estate Plan will create additional capacity in the state.
“These efforts will further reduce the need to send youth out of state. It’s also important to note that DCS provides financial assistance for parents to visit children placed out of state. Maintaining contact between youth and biological parents is an important factor in our goal of successful family reunification,” the spokesperson added.