In Tennessee, there are approximately 2,400 foster homes providing a stable caring environment to children.
Foster children come in all shapes, sizes, ages and have individual needs and preferences.
The department provides a variety of environments which address these individual needs. Kinship Foster Homes are a personal family residence approved by the Department of Children's Services to be used for the placement of their relative's minor children in the temporary legal custody of the Department of Children's Services. With the approval of the local DCS Office, Shared Homes are foster homes shared with private agencies. Foster Homes for The Medically Fragile serve children who have extraordinary medical needs which require special attention. Emergency Foster Homes are only for children who are without a placement prospect for the approaching night and for whom no placement is expected to be available.