reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 5 - TEENAGE PREGNANCY (§§ 37-3-501 — 37-3-521) › Section 37-3-502 - Information on programs and services - Bibliography of resources

(a)
The department shall collect and maintain, within the clearinghouse, current information on publicly and privately supported programs and services within the state that address problems associated with teenage pregnancy. Each such program or service shall be engaged in one (1) or more of the following activities: family life education; prevention of teenage pregnancy; counseling services for teenagers who are, or who may think they are, pregnant; prenatal care for teenage mothers; parenting skills education for teenagers; job training and placement for teenage parents; and educational or other support services for teenage parents. For each such program or service, the clearinghouse shall maintain the following information: a description of the program or service, the principal address of such program or service, general eligibility criteria for participation therein, funding sources, the name and telephone of a knowledgeable contact person, and such other information as would be useful to a person or organization in deciding whether to utilize or emulate the program or service.
(b)
The department shall also collect and maintain, within the clearinghouse, a current bibliography of books, abstracts, articles, films and other informational resources on the problems associated with teenage pregnancy and methods and techniques for effectively addressing such problems. In selecting items to be included within such bibliography, the commission shall strive to include only such items as are academically reliable and as are likely to prove beneficial to a person or organization wishing to address one (1) or more of the problems associated with teenage pregnancy.
Acts 1987, ch. 441, § 1; 1988, ch. 1005, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 5 - TEENAGE PREGNANCY (§§ 37-3-501 — 37-3-521) › Section 37-3-503 - Statistical and other research information - State reports

(a)
The department shall also collect and maintain, within the clearinghouse, statistical and other research information concerning teenage pregnancy, and related problems, in the state as a whole and in its cities, counties and regions.
(b)
Furthermore, copies of all Tennessee state government reports concerning teenage pregnancy and related problems shall be available, at cost, through the clearinghouse.
Acts 1987, ch. 441, § 1; 1988, ch. 1005, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 5 - TEENAGE PREGNANCY (§§ 37-3-501 — 37-3-521) › Section 37-3-504 - Information concerning conferences, workshops, hearings, meetings

The department shall also collect and maintain, within the clearinghouse, pertinent information on pending conferences, workshops, public hearings and other meetings concerning teenage pregnancy and related problems.
Acts 1987, ch. 441, § 1; 1988, ch. 1005, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 5 - TEENAGE PREGNANCY (§§ 37-3-501 — 37-3-521) › Section 37-3-506 - Similar programs or services operating within state

To the extent that, during the course of implementing this part, it comes to the attention of the commission that two (2) or more significantly similar programs or services are being operated within the state, the commission shall ensure that the persons or organizations administering such programs and services are so informed.
Acts 1987, ch. 441, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 5 - TEENAGE PREGNANCY (§§ 37-3-501 — 37-3-521) › Section 37-3-507 - Purpose of informational clearinghouse

(a)
The Tennessee informational clearinghouse on teenage pregnancy is created strictly for the purpose of providing the people of this state with an accurate, accessible, and centralized repository of information concerning teenage pregnancy and related problems as well as available programs and services.
(b)
Nothing contained within this part shall be construed as authorizing or requiring the commission or the clearinghouse to certify or otherwise attest to the quality of any program or service for which it maintains information.
(c)
The clearinghouse shall not provide, and shall not be used for, counseling services.
Acts 1987, ch. 441, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 5 - TEENAGE PREGNANCY (§§ 37-3-501 — 37-3-521) › Section 37-3-521 - Informational services regarding second or subsequent pregnancies - Targeting potential at-risk first time teen parents

(a)
The executive director of the commission on children and youth, and the commissioners of education, labor and workforce development, health, and children's services shall jointly develop and administer a plan to ensure that every teen parent, participating in the assistance programs or services of the departments, receives appropriate information concerning the potential benefits to be realized from delaying a second or subsequent pregnancy and to further ensure that such teen parent receives appropriate referral information if assistance is desired in postponing a second or subsequent pregnancy.
(b)
To the maximum extent reasonably possible, such informational services shall be provided by existing personnel and within existing resources.
(c)
The plan shall target, at a minimum:
(1)
Teen parents receiving homebound instruction pursuant to §
49-10-1101
;
(2)
Teen parents receiving aid to families with dependent children pursuant to title 71, chapter 3, part 1;
(3)
Teen parents receiving medical assistance for themselves or their children pursuant to title 71, chapter 5, parts 1 and 2;
(4)
Teen parents receiving food stamp assistance pursuant to title 71, chapter 5, part 3; and
(5)
Teen parents receiving federally funded training and assistance administered through the Tennessee department of labor and workforce development.
(d)
The plan shall target other teens who are participating in the assistance programs or services of the departments and who are highly at risk of becoming first time teen parents. The plan may also target other teens who are highly at risk of becoming first time teen parents.
Acts 1987, ch. 442, § 1; 1988, ch. 960, §§ 1, 2; 1988, ch. 961, § 1; 1996, ch. 1079, § 73; 1999, ch. 520, § 37.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 6 - SAFE FAMILIES AND FAMILY PRESERVATION ACT (§§ 37-3-601 — 37-3-605) › Section 37-3-601 - Short title - Funding

(a)
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Safe Families and Family Preservation Act."
(b)
The family support services and time-limited family reunification services authorized pursuant to this part shall be subject to the funds appropriated to the department by the Tennessee general assembly.
Acts 1991, ch. 185, § 1; 1998, ch. 1097, § 23.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 6 - SAFE FAMILIES AND FAMILY PRESERVATION ACT (§§ 37-3-601 — 37-3-605) › Section 37-3-602 - Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Family preservation services" mean short-term, highly intensive, services designed to protect, treat, and support a family, with a child at imminent risk of placement, by enabling the family to remain intact and care for the child at home;
(2)
"Family support services" means community-based services to promote the safety and well-being of children and families designed to increase the strength and stability of families, including adoptive, foster, and extended families, to increase parents' confidence and competence in their parenting abilities, to afford children a safe, stable and supportive family environment, and otherwise to enhance child development;
(3)
"Imminent risk of placement" means circumstances or behavior likely to produce, within a relatively short period of time, a reasonably strong probability that the child will be placed in state custody as a result of being adjudicated dependent and neglected, delinquent and unruly, or in need of mental health services under §
37-1-175
; and
(4)
"Time-limited family reunification services" means the services and activities described below that are provided to a child that is removed from the child's home and placed in a foster family home or a child care institution and to the parents or primary caregiver of such a child, in order to facilitate the reunification of the child safely and appropriately within a timely fashion, but only during the fifteen-month period that begins on the date that the child, pursuant to §
37-2-402
, is considered to have entered foster care. The services and activities described in this subdivision (4) are the following individual, group and family counseling services:
(A)
Inpatient, residential, or outpatient substance abuse treatment services;
(B)
Mental health services;
(C)
Assistance to address domestic violence;
(D)
Services designed to provide temporary child care and therapeutic services for families, including crisis nurseries; and
(E)
Transportation to or from any of the services and activities described in this subdivision (4).
Acts 1991, ch. 185, § 2; 1996, ch. 1079, § 120; 1998, ch. 1097, § 24; 2000, ch. 947, § 8G.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 6 - SAFE FAMILIES AND FAMILY PRESERVATION ACT (§§ 37-3-601 — 37-3-605) › Section 37-3-603 - Program to provide family preservation services

(a)
The department of children's services shall develop, coordinate and implement a program to provide family services to each family with a child at imminent risk of placement; provided, that delivery of family preservation services shall be limited to those families and situations in which the services may be reasonably expected to avoid out-of-home placement of the child and to also afford effective protection of the child, the family, and the community.
(b)
The department shall develop, coordinate and implement a program to provide time-limited family reunification services to each family with a child in foster care; provided, that delivery of time-limited family reunification services shall be limited to those foster children or parents or primary caregiver and shall be limited to the fifteen-month period that begins on the date that the child, pursuant to §
37-2-402
, is considered to have entered foster care.
Acts 1991, ch. 185, § 3; 1996, ch. 1079, § 73; 1998, ch. 1097, § 25.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 6 - SAFE FAMILIES AND FAMILY PRESERVATION ACT (§§ 37-3-601 — 37-3-605) › Section 37-3-604 - [Repealed] [Repealed]

Repealed by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 212, s 2, eff. 4/20/2015.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 25, eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 1991, ch. 185, § 4; 1998, ch. 1097, § 26; 2011 , ch. 410, § 3(n).
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 6 - SAFE FAMILIES AND FAMILY PRESERVATION ACT (§§ 37-3-601 — 37-3-605) › Section 37-3-605 - Statute implementation

Beginning with fiscal year 1994-1995, the departments of children's services, mental health and substance abuse services, and disability and aging shall jointly implement the program of family preservation services at a level sufficient to meet the need for such services across the state. Effective July 1, 1998, the department of children's services shall have sole responsibility for implementing this part.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 125, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1994, ch. 974, § 4; 1996, ch. 1079, § 73; 1998, ch. 1097, § 27; Acts 2000, ch. 947, § 6; 2010 , ch. 1100, § 59; 2012 , ch. 575, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 7 - EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1994 (§§ 37-3-701 — 37-3-703) › Section 37-3-701 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Early Childhood Development Act of 1994."
Acts 1994, ch. 974, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 7 - EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1994 (§§ 37-3-701 — 37-3-703) › Section 37-3-702 - Legislative findings

(a)
The general assembly finds that success in early childhood requires each child to have:
(1)
A healthy start through access to adequate prenatal and well-child care;
(2)
A well-functioning family that is prepared to assume the responsibilities of parenthood and childbearing;
(3)
Early learning experiences that promote child development and foster love of learning; and
(4)
Schools that are prepared to educate and nurture every child and ready to offer appropriate support to children and their families.
(b)
Therefore, to ensure the success of every child, the general assembly finds that the state of Tennessee and its communities must jointly build a comprehensive system of services to support families and to promote the healthy development of young children.
Acts 1994, ch. 974, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-801 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Second Look Commission."
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-802 - Part definitions

For purposes of this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Appropriate sampling" means cases of a second or subsequent incident of severe child abuse selected by the commission from all profiled cases submitted by the department of children's services;
(2)
"Child abuse" has the same meaning as abuse defined in §
37-1-102
;
(3)
"Commission" means the Tennessee second look commission;
(4)
"Investigatory meetings" means commission meetings where information made confidential pursuant to state or federal law is examined by the commission or information is being discussed that is relevant to a pending criminal action;
(5)
"Profiled cases" means cases of a second or subsequent incident of severe child abuse provided by the department of children's services to the commission;
(6)
"Second or subsequent incident of severe child abuse" means an indicated incident of severe child abuse to a victim who had a prior indicated incident of child abuse or severe child abuse, as determined by the department of children's services; and
(7)
"Severe child abuse" has the same meaning as the term is defined in §
37-1-102
.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-803 - Creation - Findings and recommendations - Duties - Reports

(a)
There is created the Tennessee second look commission. The commission shall review an appropriate sampling of cases involving a second or subsequent incident of severe child abuse in order to provide recommendations and findings to the general assembly regarding whether or not severe child abuse cases are handled in a manner that provides adequate protection to the children of this state.
(b)
The commission's findings and recommendations shall address all stages of investigating and attempting to remedy severe child abuse, including but not limited to:
(1)
The reporting, investigating and referring of alleged severe child abuse cases by state agencies and others;
(2)
The risk of severe child abuse victims being returned to the custody of the child's abuser or placed by the state in an environment where the child is at risk of being abused a second or subsequent time;
(3)
The procedures used by juvenile courts and courts exercising jurisdiction over criminal and civil child abuse, neglect and endangerment cases;
(4)
The laws, rules, or guidelines used to determine whether or not an alleged perpetrator of severe child abuse is to be prosecuted;
(5)
The causes of severe child abuse in Tennessee and any preventative measures that would reduce the number of severe child abuse cases in this state;
(6)
The manner in which severe child abuse data is collected and used by multiple agencies within the state; and
(7)
The representation provided to severe child abuse victims, including but not limited to, representation provided by attorneys, guardians and advocates.
(c)
The commission may:
(1)
Promulgate bylaws to provide for the election of commission officers, establishment of committees, meetings, and other matters relating to commission functions;
(2)
Request and receive the cooperation of other state departments and agencies in carrying out the duties of this part; and
(3)
Hold hearings, hear testimony, and conduct research and other appropriate activities.
(d)
(1)
The commission shall provide a report to the general assembly on the commission's progress in fulfilling its duties set out in this section no later than January 1, 2011.
(2)
The commission shall provide a report detailing the commission's findings and recommendations from a review of the appropriate sampling no later than January 1, 2012, and annually thereafter, to the general assembly. Such report shall be submitted to the governor, the judiciary and health and welfare committees of the senate and the civil justice committee of the house of representatives.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 32, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 42, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 80, eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 2010 , ch. 1060, § 1; 2011 , ch. 410, § 3(p).
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-805 - Administration - Responsibilities

(a)
The commission shall be administratively attached to the Tennessee commission on children and youth, but for all purposes other than administration, shall be an independent commission.
(b)
The Tennessee commission on children and youth shall be responsible for:
(1)
Scheduling and staffing the commission's meetings;
(2)
Notifying witnesses of the date upon which they are requested to appear;
(3)
Taking minutes at the commission's meetings;
(4)
Compensating members and witnesses for travel expenses when appropriate;
(5)
Reviewing department of children's services files and case summaries regarding the appropriate sampling of cases upon which the commission expects to hear testimony;
(6)
Providing the commission members with any relevant information; and
(7)
Assisting the commission in drafting reports.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-806 - Table of profiled cases - Review of cases - Sampling

(a)
The department of children's services shall, no later than October 1, 2010, provide the commission with a table, detailing profiled cases from the previous fiscal year; thereafter, the department shall provide such table no later than October 1, 2011, and by October 1 annually thereafter, for the previous year. The tables shall include, but not be limited to, the county, type of abuse and age of the child.
(b)
The commission shall review the table of profiled cases provided pursuant to subsection (a). The commission shall submit a list of the cases to the department after such review, setting out specific cases from the table that the commission selects to review.
(c)
The department shall provide each commission member with a thorough written summary of the procedural history of each of the cases selected for review by the commission, including but not limited to, identifying persons whom the commission may wish to testify to provide additional information.
(d)
After reviewing the information referenced in subsection (c), the commission shall select the appropriate sampling from the information provided by the department; provided that an appropriate sampling shall be no more than ten percent (10%) of the total number of cases profiled.
(e)
The commission shall review the appropriate sampling on a schedule determined by the commission; provided that the commission shall submit its final report containing its recommendations and findings concerning the appropriate sampling each year to the general assembly as provided in §
37-3-803(d)
.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-807 - Voting - Reimbursement of expenses

(a)
All members of the commission shall be voting members.
(b)
The members of the commission shall receive no salary; provided that members of the commission shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in accordance with the state's comprehensive travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
(c)
The commission may provide reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in accordance with the state's comprehensive travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter to witnesses that have been called to testify before the commission.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-808 - Meetings

The commission shall meet as necessary to transact business; provided, that meetings shall be held at least quarterly, and the first meeting shall be no later than November 1, 2010. The commission shall meet at such time and place as determined by the co-chairs of the commission announced at least one (1) month in advance of meetings with notice to each member. Written minutes shall be kept of all meetings. At all meetings, ten (10) members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-809 - Requests by the commission

The child advocacy center directors or their designees, the department of children's services, the district attorney general of each judicial district, the district public defender of each judicial district, the administrative office of the courts, any law enforcement agency, any juvenile court officer or investigator, any representative of the mental health disciplines involved in investigations conducted by child protective teams, and any other state agency shall, upon request by the commission:
(1)
Submit to the commission, in accordance with the procedures and deadlines established by the commission, information and data concerning a second or subsequent incident of severe abuse;
(2)
Cause the person most knowledgeable with the case being examined to testify regarding any cases concerning a second or subsequent incident of severe abuse; and
(3)
Make recommendations and identify where gaps and deficiencies may exist in the various systems involved in protecting children from severe child abuse.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-810 - Confidentiality - Public meetings

(a)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the commission may access information made confidential pursuant to chapter 1 of this title.
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (c), investigatory meetings of the commission shall not be subject to title 8, chapter 44, part 1 and shall be closed to the public. Any minutes or other information made confidential pursuant to state or federal law and generated during an investigatory meeting shall be sealed from public inspection; provided that the commission shall comply with subsection (c).
(2)
Each statutory member of the commission and each person otherwise attending an investigatory meeting shall sign a statement prepared by the commission indicating and affirming an understanding of and adherence to the confidentiality requirements, including the possible civil or criminal consequences of any violation or breach of such requirements.
(c)
Notwithstanding subsection (b), the commission shall conduct meetings that are open to the public to periodically make available, in a general manner that does not reveal information made confidential pursuant to state or federal law, the aggregate findings of its reviews and its recommendations.
(d)
All information made confidential pursuant to state or federal law acquired by the commission in the exercise of its duties:
(1)
Remains confidential after being acquired by the commission;
(2)
Is not subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in any criminal or civil proceedings; and
(3)
May only be disclosed as necessary to carry out the purposes of this part.
(e)
Subsection (d) shall not prohibit a person from testifying in a civil or criminal action about matters within such person's knowledge that was obtained independently from any commission meeting.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-811 - Hiring of staff and consultants

To the extent that funds are available, the commission may hire additional staff or consultants to assist the commission in completing its duties.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-812 - Immunity from civil and criminal liability

Any person acting in good faith in compliance with this part shall be immune from civil and criminal liability arising from such action.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-813 - Investigations or reviews authorized by other laws

Nothing in this part shall preclude any investigations or reviews to the extent authorized by other laws.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-814 - Sharing of information regarding criminal violations with officials charged with investigating criminal matters

If, during the course of the commission's duties under this part, the commission becomes aware of any violations of the criminal laws of this state by any person or agency, the co-chairs of the commission shall share such information with appropriate officials charged with investigating criminal matters.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES (§§ 37-3-101 — 37-3-815) › Part 8 - TENNESSEE SECOND LOOK COMMISSION (§§ 37-3-801 — 37-3-815) › Section 37-3-815 - Conflicts of interest

The commission shall adopt and implement a policy related to conflicts of interest, to ensure that all members avoid any situation that creates an actual or perceived conflict of interest related to the work of the commission.
Acts 2010, ch. 1060, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 4 - INTERSTATE COMPACTS (§§ 37-4-101 — 37-4-207) › Part 2 - INTERSTATE COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN (§§ 37-4-201 — 37-4-207) › Section 37-4-202 - Compact terms defined

(a)
As used in paragraph (a) of Article V of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, "appropriate authority in the receiving state," with reference to this state, means the department of children's services.
(b)
"Appropriate public authorities," as used in Article III of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, means, with reference to this state, the department of children's services shall receive and act with reference to notices required by Article III.
(c)
As used in Article VII of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, "executive head" means the governor.
Acts 1974, ch. 477, §§ 3, 4, 8; impl. am. Acts 1975, ch. 219, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 37-1402 -- 37-1404; Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 73.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 4 - INTERSTATE COMPACTS (§§ 37-4-101 — 37-4-207) › Part 2 - INTERSTATE COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN (§§ 37-4-201 — 37-4-207) › Section 37-4-203 - Compact administrator

The commissioner of children's services shall act as compact administrator in accordance with the terms of Article VII.
Acts 1974, ch. 477, § 8; impl. am. Acts 1975, ch. 219, § 2; T.C.A., § 37-1405; Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 73.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 4 - INTERSTATE COMPACTS (§§ 37-4-101 — 37-4-207) › Part 2 - INTERSTATE COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN (§§ 37-4-201 — 37-4-207) › Section 37-4-204 - Determination of financial responsibility

Financial responsibility for any child placed pursuant to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children shall be determined in accordance with Article V thereof in the first instance. However, in the event of partial or complete default of performance thereunder, the provisions of any laws of the state of Tennessee fixing responsibility for the support of children also may be invoked.
Acts 1974, ch. 477, § 2; T.C.A., § 37-1406.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 4 - INTERSTATE COMPACTS (§§ 37-4-101 — 37-4-207) › Part 2 - INTERSTATE COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN (§§ 37-4-201 — 37-4-207) › Section 37-4-205 - Authorization of agreements with foreign states

The officers and agencies of this state and its subdivisions having authority to place children are empowered to enter into agreements with appropriate officers or agencies of or in other party states pursuant to paragraph (b) of Article V of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. Any such agreement which contains a financial commitment or imposes a financial obligation on this state or subdivision or agency thereof shall not be binding unless it has the approval in writing of the commissioner of children's services in the case of the state and of the chief local fiscal officer in the case of a subdivision of the state.
Acts 1974, ch. 477, § 5; impl. am. Acts 1975, ch. 219, § 2; T.C.A., § 37-1407; Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 73.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 4 - INTERSTATE COMPACTS (§§ 37-4-101 — 37-4-207) › Part 2 - INTERSTATE COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN (§§ 37-4-201 — 37-4-207) › Section 37-4-206 - Chapter 5, part 4 not applicable to this part

Chapter 5, part 4 of this title shall not apply to placements made pursuant to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
Acts 1974, ch. 477, § 6; T.C.A., § 37-1408.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 4 - INTERSTATE COMPACTS (§§ 37-4-101 — 37-4-207) › Part 2 - INTERSTATE COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN (§§ 37-4-201 — 37-4-207) › Section 37-4-207 - Jurisdiction of courts

Any court having jurisdiction to place delinquent children may place such a child in an institution of or in another state pursuant to Article VI of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and shall retain jurisdiction as provided in Article V.
Acts 1974, ch. 477, § 7; T.C.A., § 37-1409.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-608) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-137) › Section 37-5-101 - Creation of department - Division of juvenile justice - Deputy commissioner of juvenile justice - Powers and duties - Funding

(a)
There is hereby created the department of children's services.
(b)
(1)
Within the department, there is created a division of juvenile justice to serve children who are adjudicated delinquent.
(2)
The deputy commissioner of juvenile justice shall be appointed to lead the division of juvenile justice and shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner. The commissioner shall appoint a person qualified by training and experience in the area of juvenile justice to perform the duties of deputy commissioner of juvenile justice. The appointee must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and be experienced in the field of juvenile justice.
(3)
It is the duty and responsibility of the division of juvenile justice to serve children who are adjudicated delinquent. The deputy commissioner shall have the powers and duties that the commissioner shall prescribe, in order to effectively administer, develop and oversee all state programs and services for delinquent children, their families and their communities.
(4)
The commissioner shall earmark a sum sufficient to be used exclusively for the division of juvenile justice. This budget shall include all appropriations for residential and nonresidential services provided for the prevention of delinquency and the rehabilitation, treatment and training of delinquent youth.
Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 2; 2006, ch. 818, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-608) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-137) › Section 37-5-102 - Purpose

(a)
Through the department of children's services, the state of Tennessee, in cooperation with juvenile courts, local communities, schools and families will strive to provide timely, appropriate and cost-effective services for children in state custody and at risk of entering state custody so that these children can reach their full potential as productive, competent and healthy adults. The department is created to provide services to those children who are unruly, delinquent, dependent and neglected, and their respective families, as well as for children who are at imminent risk and in need of services to prevent entry into state custody, who are in state custody pending family reunification or other permanent placement, or as otherwise may be required for such children and their families pursuant to state law. In all cases, the services shall be to further the best interest of the child, and when appropriate, to preserve the relationship between the child and the family. Whenever possible, the services shall be provided in the community where the child lives and in a setting that is the least restrictive and, yet, the most beneficial to the child. For the children it serves, the department shall strive to:
(1)
Protect children from abuse, mistreatment or neglect;
(2)
Provide prevention, early intervention, rehabilitative and educational services;
(3)
Pursue appropriate and effective behavioral and mental health treatment;
(4)
Ensure that health care needs, both preventive and practical, are met; and
(5)
Keep children safe.
(b)
The department will work to preserve the safety and protect the standards in Tennessee communities through efforts to combat delinquency and other social ills concerning young people. The department shall work to continuously improve the management and coordination of services for the children and families of Tennessee identified in this section by ensuring thorough evaluations and assessments, appropriate and effective service delivery, timely permanency planning and supportive supervision and monitoring of the progress of children discharged from state custody.
(c)
The goal of the department must be to act in the best interest of the child at all times. That goal must be reflected in any mission statement or motto established by the department.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 305,s 1, eff. 4/28/2023.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 242, s 1, eff. 4/24/2015.
Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 3; 2008 , ch. 1044, § 1; 2012 , ch. 831, § 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-608) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-137) › Section 37-5-104 - Commissioner of children's services - Qualifications

(a)
The governor shall appoint a person qualified by training and experience in the area of children's services to perform the duties of the commissioner of children's services. The appointee must be a graduate of an accredited college or university.
(b)
The commissioner shall hold office at the pleasure of the governor, and the commissioner's compensation shall be fixed by the governor and paid from the appropriation available to the department pursuant to §
8-23-101(c)
.
(c)
The commissioner shall have the necessary offices, equipment and supplies to carry out the duties of the office.
Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-608) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-137) › Section 37-5-108 - Conflict of interest

The department has the power and authority to establish by policy, rule or regulation provisions for prohibition of any conflict of interest that may occur within the department of children's services that may affect the constitutional rights of a child being served by the department of children's services. The department shall exercise this power and authority consistent with the provisions regarding conflicts of interest under title 12, chapter 4, part 1.
Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 9.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-608) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-137) › Section 37-5-109 - Licensing

The responsibility for licensing children's programs, agencies, group homes, institutions or any other entity serving children that requires a license by law in Tennessee is as follows:
(1)
The department of children's services shall license or approve and supervise child abuse agencies, child caring institutions, child placing agencies, detention centers, family boarding or foster care homes, group care homes, maternity homes and temporary holding resources. Not later than January 1, 1999, the department shall develop and implement standards to ensure that children in foster care placements in public or private agencies are provided quality services that protect the safety and health of the children. Exceptions to the department's licensing responsibilities concerning the aforementioned categories are contained in §
37-5-503
;
(2)
The department of human services shall license or approve and supervise child care centers, family child care homes and group child care homes. Exceptions to the department's licensing responsibilities concerning the aforementioned categories are contained in §
71-3-503
;
(3)
The department of mental health and substance abuse services shall license or approve and supervise any institution, treatment resource, group residence, boarding home, sheltered workshop, activity center, rehabilitation center, hospital, community mental health center, counseling center, clinic, halfway house or other entity, by these or other names, providing mental health, intellectual disability or developmental disability services, respectively, or as required by title 33, chapter 2, part 4. Exceptions to the licensing responsibilities of the department of mental health and substance abuse services concerning the aforementioned categories are contained in §
33-2-403
;
(4)
Any programs or portions of programs, or any place, home, facility, institution or other entity that is otherwise subject to licensure or approval by any other agency as required by law, shall continue to be licensed or approved by that agency unless notified to the contrary by the department of children's services; and
(5)
Subject to the exemptions set out in §
37-5-503
, and pursuant to promulgated rules and regulations, the department will license or approve or supervise any entity that provides residential services to children and is not otherwise subject to licensure, approval, certification or supervision by any other agency as required by state law.
Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 10; 1998, ch. 1097, § 28; 2000, ch. 947, §§ 6, 8I, 8L, 8M; 2000, ch. 981, § 61; imp. am. Acts 2000, ch. 947, § 6; 2010, ch. 1100, § 63; 2012, ch. 575, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-608) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-137) › Section 37-5-110 - Contracts/Leases

(a)
Contracts or leases entered into prior to May 21, 1996, with respect to any program or function transferred to the department of children's services with any entity, corporation, agency, enterprise or person, shall continue in full force and effect as to all essential provisions in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contracts in existence on May 21, 1996, to the same extent as if such contracts had originally been entered into by and between such entity, corporation, agency, enterprise or person and the department of children's services, unless and until such contracts or leases are amended or modified by the parties thereto or until the expiration of such contract.
(b)
This chapter shall not be implemented in any manner that violates the prohibition against impairment of contract obligations as contained in article I, § 20 of the Constitution of Tennessee.
Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-608) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-137) › Section 37-5-111 - Funds

The department, through its commissioner, shall have the authority to receive, administer, allocate, disburse and supervise any grants and funds from whatever sources, including, but not limited to, the federal, state, county and municipal governments on a state, regional, county or any other basis, with respect to any programs or responsibilities outlined in this chapter or assigned to the department by law, regulation or order. Exercise of this authority shall not be inconsistent with laws or regulations governing the appropriation and disbursement of funds as administered by the department of finance and administration.
Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 12.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-608) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-137) › Section 37-5-112 - Rules

All current rules, regulations, orders, decisions and policies heretofore issued or promulgated by any departments of state government whose functions have been transferred under this chapter shall remain in full force and effect and shall hereafter be administered and enforced by the department. To this end, the department of children's services, through its commissioner, shall have the authority, consistent with the statutes and regulations pertaining to the programs and functions transferred herein, to modify or rescind orders, rules and regulations, decisions or policies heretofore issued and to adopt, issue or promulgate new orders, rules and regulations, decisions or policies as may be necessary for the administration of the programs or functions herein transferred. The application of rules and regulations and the policies of the department shall be uniform and consistent throughout the state.
Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 13; 2009, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-608) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-137) › Section 37-5-113 - Accreditation

The department shall have its youth development centers accredited by a regionally or nationally recognized accreditation body such as the American Correctional Association, the Council on Accreditation or other accreditation agency.
Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 14.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-NEW — 37-11-103) › Chapter 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-608) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 37-5-101 — 37-5-137) › Section 37-5-114 - Transfer from department of youth development

(a)
Any juvenile program that was administered by the department of youth development prior to May 21, 1996, shall be transferred to, and administered by, the department of children's services on and after May 21, 1996.
(b)
All staff, staff positions, offices, equipment, supplies, property, funds and other resources of any juvenile program under the department of youth development shall be transferred to the department of children's services.
(c)
(1)
References to the department of youth development or the division of juvenile probation relative to programs for juveniles appearing elsewhere in this code shall be deemed to be references to the department of children's services.
(2)
(A)
The code commission is directed to change references to the existing titles of officials, offices, agencies and entities, whenever they appear in this code, to conform to the titles of officials, offices, agencies and entities created by this chapter.
(B)
The code commission is authorized to make grammatical changes in the provisions of this code to effectuate such changes.
(d)
(1)
All contracts and leases entered into by the department of youth development relative to programs for juveniles shall continue in full force and effect as to all provisions in accordance with the terms and conditions of such contracts or leases in existence on May 21, 1996, unless and until such contracts or leases expire or are duly amended or modified by the parties thereto.
(2)
All rules, policies, orders and decisions related to juvenile services promulgated or issued by the department of youth development prior to, and in effect on May 21, 1996, shall remain in force and effect and shall be administered and enforced by the department of children's services until duly amended, repealed, expired, modified or superseded.
Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 15.