System of Care Across TN

System of Care (SOC) is the core philosophy that guides how TDMHSAS supports children and youth with social, emotional, and behavioral health needs. Originating in 1999 with the Nashville Connection, the SOC framework emphasizes service delivery that is family‑driven, youth‑guided, and grounded in the community. This approach ensures that children receive the support they need while remaining in their homes, staying engaged in school, and maintaining connections with their natural support systems.

In 2008, the General Assembly established the Council on Children’s Mental Health (CCMH) to further advance and coordinate the SOC approach across Tennessee. Programs such as Mule Town, Just Care Family Network, K-Town Empowerment Network, Early Connections Network, and SOCAT operationalize this philosophy by integrating the efforts of child welfare, juvenile justice, schools, healthcare providers, and community partners. Together, these collaborations deliver coordinated, accessible, and individualized services that meet the unique needs of each family.

Family Empowerment Initiative

The Family Empowerment Initiative (FEI) builds on Tennessee’s long history of System of Care services by helping families move from crisis and intensive supports toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Using a family-centered, community-based approach, FEI connects children, youth, and caregivers with care coordination, peer support, parenting education, and behavioral health services tailored to each family’s strengths and needs.

Through partnerships with Children and Youth Crisis (https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/crisis/children.html) providers across Tennessee, FEI brings together care coordinators, clinicians, and peer support specialists to help families navigate services, strengthen relationships, improve well-being, and stay connected to their homes, schools, and communities.