August 2024 Open Line
Independent Living Graduations
In July, we held three grand regional graduation celebration events for our foster youth and young adults who completed their secondary and post-secondary education this academic year. Over 150 graduates attended these events, where we hosted recognition ceremonies, keynote speakers, and a variety of post-secondary, employment, and resource vendor booths, including the Department of Safety’s mobile state ID unit. It was a fantastic opportunity to honor our graduates' achievements and provide valuable resources for their future. Thank you to everyone who joined us in the celebration!
DCS Legal Team Attends National Convention on Child Welfare Litigation
This week, the Legal team participated in a national convening on class action litigation held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The event brought together representatives from various states to discuss current trends and potential solutions in child welfare lawsuits. Our very own General Counsel Doug Dimond was featured as a speaker on stage during the gathering.
Be Sure to Add the DCS Signature Block to Your Email!
Make sure your emails reflect our professional standards by adding the DCS signature block. This not only ensures consistent branding but also provides important contact information. For guidance on updating your signature block, check out these instructions available on TeamTN.
A DCS Birthday Bash!
We recently celebrated an extraordinary birthday for a wonderful child in foster care. This young boy, known for his friendly and caring nature, has spent eight birthdays in foster care and is loved by both his community and the northwest DCS workers. His big day was packed with his favorite activities, from playing Roblox to pretending to be his favorite superhero, Black Panther. One of the highlights included a visit from the local fire department and police department. After all the fun, the birthday boy said it was one of the best days of his life! We're so grateful for the DCS staff, including Jasmine Miller (FSW) and Tessa Rickman (TL), who helped orchestrate this wonderful event.
Recent Adoptions! 🎉❤️
We are thrilled to celebrate the recent adoptions of the wonderful children and the loving families who have welcomed them into their homes. Congratulations to all the children and families who had their adoptions finalized recently!
Congrats to the Declet family!
Congratulations to Taz and his parents!
Keep an Eye Out for CCWIS Newsletters
Be sure to check your inbox for the latest newsletter from the DCS, STS, and Vendor Partners on the Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) Modernization Project. Stay informed about the project's progress and how it will enhance the safety and well-being of children in our state!
Need Something Printed? Look No Further!
Check out the newly released DCS Printing Guidelines on the DCS intranet! This comprehensive step-by-step guide provides everything you need to ensure your next print project goes smoothly. Whether you're working on a small flyer or a large publication, these guidelines will help you achieve the best results.
DCS Wellness Council Recognized
Big shout out to the DCS Wellness Council. They were recognized during the Working for a Healthier Tennessee’s annual banquet. Thanks to Venus Singleton and Nicole Hussey – our DCS Wellness Council Co-Chairs – the Department continues to hold a Platinum Level of Achievement. Please reach out to Venus or Nicole if you’re interested in joining the council. We need more members from across the state to participate and help plan fun wellness activities!
Isaiah117 House Opens in Anderson County!
DCS team members in Anderson County and the surrounding area recently joined the celebration of the county’s new Isaiah117 House, the 26th one to open! This project has been four years in the making, and it was wonderful for the community to see it come to fruition. The weather even cooperated, with the rain holding off just long enough to make the event a success!
