TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Jul 6, 2021

Following reports of child abuse, the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) announced last week that the state has suspended the license of the Baptiste Group to manage La Casa de Sydney, a Chattanooga facility that housed unaccompanied migrant children. According to The Chattanoogan, an unannounced DCS inspection in June uncovered alleged child abuse by a staff member, who was fired after an investigation and charged with sexual battery. As of June 22, all children had been removed from the facility. The suspension issued by DCS is not time limited and under state law a licensee may request an informal hearing before an administrative law judge within three business days of the suspension. The Associated Press reports that state lawmakers have demanded Baptiste Group testify and answer questions about the operation at their next meeting on July 13.