DCS Strengthens Response Times to Protect Children Sooner

Beginning September 30, 2025, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) will implement new Child Protective Services (CPS) response times to ensure children at risk of abuse or neglect are seen more quickly.

Under the new guidelines:

• High-risk situations (Priority 1): Face-to-face visit within 8 hours (previously 24 hours)
• Moderate-risk situations (Priority 2): Face-to-face visit within 72 hours (previously 2 business days)
• Priority 3 category eliminated: All referrals will now fall under Priority 1 or 2

“We know that in cases of child abuse and neglect, every hour matters,” said DCS Commissioner Margie Quin. “By accelerating our response times, we are strengthening our ability to protect Tennessee’s most vulnerable children and support families when they need us most.”

The updated response times reflect DCS’s ongoing commitment to serve children and families through faster intervention and stronger collaboration with community partners.

“Faster response can save lives,” Quin added. “We are grateful for the continued support of our partners across the state.”

For more information about CPS response and other child safety initiatives, please visit www.tn.gov/dcs.