TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Paul Burch on Nov 16, 2023

The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) is seeking to increase its annual budget next year by nearly $182 million, reports the Tennessee Lookout. DCS chief Margie Quin said the funds would be used to meet the rising housing, mental and physical health needs of children taken into state custody after allegations of abuse or neglect. There has been a 19% increase in the number of children needing specialized inpatient care between the 2022 and 2023. Quin noted the number of foster care placements has dropped 13%. Lawmakers previously approved a $181 million increase in the agency’s annual budget in 2022.