Tennessee Department of Children's Services

The Department of Children’s Services is Tennessee’s public child welfare agency that strives to create safe and healthy environments for children where they can live with supportive families and engaged communities. Our mission is to provide high quality prevention and support services to children and families that promote safety, permanency, and well-being. The Department investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect. We also administer the state’s foster-care system and we work especially hard to find permanency for the children and youth who come into our care, whether that is through reunification or adoption. Our Juvenile Justice division serves the youth who have been adjudicated delinquent and we work closely with scores of private providers and community partners across the state of Tennessee. We also strive to have the highest quality work force possible. Our fantastic employees' hard work, compassion, and drive to provide exemplary services to those in need are vital to the children and families in Tennessee.