The instability facing Tennessee's foster kids
Duane W. GangGood morning! Welcome to your Daily Briefing. I'm politics and investigations editor Duane Gang.
A new report this week from the Tennessee Commission on Children & Youth has more grim news about some of our state's most vulnerable residents.
Since 2016, Tennessee has recorded the highest rates of foster care instability in the country. Instability is defined as three or more home placements for a foster youth within their first year in the system.
Nearly 34% of foster cases meet that definition in Tennessee, according to the report, more than double the overall U.S. national average of 14.9%, statehouse reporter Melissa Brown writes.
It is yet another challenge facing the Tennessee Department of Children's Services. The agency is plagued with high turnover, hundreds of kids sleeping in state offices, a troubled youth development center in West Tennessee and more.
Gov. Bill Lee has vowed to address the issues and new Commissioner Margie Quin has pledged action. She's asking for $156 million more to address some of the issues.
But Democrats said Thursday more must be done. They want Lee and state leaders to tap into surplus rainy day funds, seek grant funding and explore other options to free up immediate funding for DCS.
As always, thank you for reading and for your support. Catch up on more great stories from The Tennessean below.