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How We’re Helping Create Sustainable Change In Foster Care In Tennessee

Tennessee Fosters Hope Is A Coalition For Change

Tennessee Kids Belong is helping lead Tennessee Fosters Hope, a statewide collaborative campaign engaging state agencies, community organizations, the business community and churches. This coalition for change is focused on elevating quality care and opportunities for children and families impacted by foster care and adoption.

Launched in March 2021, goals include:

  • Recruit and certify families who can care for foster children with increased needs.
  • Build pathways for full DCS custody children to find permanent adoption.
  • Establish a network of churches statewide to support the foster and adoptive needs of their communities.
  • Collaborate with the business community to become the most “Foster Friendly” state in America!
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee

“When we join forces with the faith community and trusted partners like Tennessee Kids Belong…we can help Tennessee children find permanent, loving homes.”

– Governor Bill Lee

Tennessee Has A Track Record Of Leading Change In Foster Care

In 2016, Tennessee Kids Belong spearheaded the first state-based coalition for change, TNFOSTERS.

Working alongside Department of Children’s Services staff, community partners and private providers, DCS surpassed its foster family recruitment and placement goals every year of the campaign from 2017-2020.

Former First Lady, Crissy Haslam, now serves on the board of Tennessee Kids Belong. 

Former Tennessee Governor and First Lady Bill and Chrissy Haslam

“State Government is great at fixing things like potholes, but we can’t fix hearts. That’s where we need the community to step in and care for these vulnerable children.”

Former Governor Bill Haslam

DCS and Private Provider Opportunities

Join The Movement To Create Sustainable Change In Foster Care

If you are a child-welfare worker here are some simple ways to get involved:

  • Participate in a foster care panel or recommend a colleague.
  • Invite TKB to moderate or participate in a recruitment and retention panel in your community at a local faith, business or community organization.
  • Encourage the kinship and foster families you serve to download the Foster Friendly App to access local discounts, offers and support designed to improve retention.

Use the form below to let us know your interest(s). When you choose “private provider.” A TKB team member will follow up soon.

Be The Change

  • Are you a federal, state or local government official? We can assist with resources and stats in your area, speech writing andmore.
  • Are you a social worker? Let us know what part of the state you are working in and what your most pressing needs are.
  • Educate others and advocate with other government officials on behalf of children in foster care.
  • Use your voice and social media platform to help raise awareness of the needs here in Tennessee.