There are over 8,300 children in foster care in Tennessee. The Department of Children’s Services needs families in every county throughout the state including families that are willing to serve sibling groups, teenagers, and Spanish speaking children.

The first goal is always reunification with the birth family when possible.

The first step is to complete a foster parent inquiry by clicking Get Started at FosteringTN.org! An Inquiry Coordinator will contact you via email and phone to guide you through the pre-screening process to determine if you meet the minimum requirements to become a foster parent. During this call, the Inquiry Coordinator will answer any additional questions you may have about becoming a foster parent or the process. Finally, the Inquiry Coordinator will help you register for a TN-KEY (foster parent training) class.

The minimum requirements to become a foster parent are:
Be at least 21 years old
Complete fingerprinting and background checks
Participate in an Informational Meeting
Complete a training program called TN-KEY
Complete the Home Study process
Provide documentation of sufficient income
Complete health screenings
Retain legal residency in Tennessee for at least 3 months

There are several policies in place around these requirements and the Department of Children’s Services maintains the right to select out any family through a mutual selection process.

There is a possibility of becoming a foster parent to a relative. If you are aware of a relative coming into care or that is in foster care already, reach out to the DCS office of the county the child is from and let them know you are interested in becoming a foster parent for this child!

You can be single, married, divorced, or widowed and become a foster parent!

All household members (adults and children) must have up-to-date pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza vaccines to foster children under the age of eighteen (18) months old or with significant documented medical needs.

DCS has a policy and a checklist that will cover all home requirements. Complete your inquiry to ask any questions regarding these requirements and receive a copy of the checklist to help you prepare for your Home Study!

You can select the age group you are most comfortable with; however, due to the number of children and youth in foster care, you may be asked to consider children outside your age group. You are able to say no to any placement you do not feel will be a good fit for your home.

DCS policy states you can only have 5 children in your home (including all family members under 18 and foster children). There is an assessment that can be completed if you feel you have the ability to care for more than 5 children in your home.

During the training process, you will be assigned a DCS Trainer that will guide you through TN-KEY. Once your home is referred for a Home Study, you will be assigned a Home Study Writer to help guide you through the Home Study process. During the Home Study process, you will be assigned a DCS Family Support Worker that will be with you throughout the fostering journey. Additional training and support groups are also available.

Tennessee offers a daily rate of pay that is paid out monthly to all families with active placements. The rate varies depending upon the specific child placed in the home and will be discussed with you at time of placement.

In 1997, Tennessee adopted a Foster Parent Bill of Rights that covers various aspects of being a foster parent. You will receive a copy of your Bill of Rights during foster parent training. You will also be offered the opportunity to have a mentor to guide you through your fostering journey. Each region also has a Foster Parent Advocate that is able to help you navigate times when you are unsure of your rights as a foster parent.

Share our information with friends and family that may be ready to foster! Share FosteringTN social media pages and posts, volunteer, and reach out to other families that foster and offer your support!

Be a mentor, support foster families in your community by preparing meals, offer to babysit while foster parents enjoy a date night, or check with foster families you know to see what kind of support would be most valuable to them!