July 2024 Open Line
Another Successful Legislative Session in the Books!
The DCS legislative team worked tirelessly during this year's session and is proud to announce another successful year! Learn more about the legislation passed during this year’s session that affects the department.
Southeast Bank Donation
Southeast Bank of Cleveland has donated $50,000 to City Fields to support the Youth Life and Job Skills Training Program, aiding youth aging out of the foster care system. This generous contribution will provide essential life and job skills training, promoting stability and success for these young individuals. Learn more about this impactful initiative here.
Recent Adoptions! 🎉❤️
We are thrilled to celebrate the recent adoptions of several 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!
Congratulations to the Sims family!
Jason Dockery, CPS Team Leader in Knox County, honored for 25 years of state service!
We are proud to celebrate Jason Dockery, Team Leader in Knox County CPS, for his remarkable 25 years of state service. During a recent service award and employee of the month recognition event, Jason was honored for his dedication and commitment. Pictured from left to right are Ashley Westaway, Director, Jason Dockery, Team Leader, and Suzanne Keck, Team Coordinator. Join us in congratulating Jason on this significant milestone!
Announcing the Knox Region Pet Contest Winners!
In celebration of Be Kind to Animals Month in May, Knox Region held a pet contest with staff submitting photos of their pets. Votes were cast in three categories: dogs, cats, and other pets. Here are the 2024 winners:
Dog:
- First Place: Minnie Pearl (Randi Earley)
- Runner-up: Copper (April Ramsey)
Cat:
- First Place: Luna (Kara Schrock)
- Runner-up: Duck (Kass Howard)
Other Pet:
- First Place: Oliver (Bethany Richart)
- Runner-up: Lucy and Mina (Andrea Brennan)
Thank you to everyone who participated!
CPS Graduation 🎓
We're thrilled to celebrate the dedication and hard work of 18 CPS staff from across Tennessee who have just completed an intensive 2-week training at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation headquarters in Nashville! After a hiatus due to COVID-19, this vital program is back, and our team is more prepared than ever to protect and support children across the state. Congratulations to all graduates!
Fun at Knox Region Isaiah 117 House!
In June, the Knox Region Isaiah 117 House hosted a water day for all youth in Knox transitional homes and DCS staff. The kids and staff enjoyed a water balloon fight, a giant sprinkler, and a multi-person slip-n-slide. Isaiah House staff showed their love to the kids by providing a cookout lunch, and everyone had an amazing summer day!
Introducing Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) & Warmline
Support for Early Childhood Professionals
What is IECMHC? IECMHC is a prevention-based service that pairs a mental health consultant with families or professionals who work with infants and young children. The goal of IECMHC is to enhance the capacity of caregivers and other adults to foster and encourage healthy, positive attachment relationships - early and before clinical intervention is needed.
What is Warmline? Warmline is a prevention-based, capacity-building virtual support service. It pairs mental health professionals with early childhood educators to collaborate and leverage their expertise. This partnership aims to best support children and families presenting behavioral or mental health concerns.
For more information, scan the QR Code below.
Independent Living Glam Camp!
On June 7, 2024, the Office of Independent Living and Harmony Family Center hosted a delightful Glam Camp at Montvale in Maryville, TN. This year's camp, an extension of the IL camps offered throughout the year, featured an enchanting Alice in Wonderland theme for the females placed at Katie Miller Group Home. The full agenda included activities on manners, yoga, fancy hat art, sexual health, and healthy relationships, a tea party, manicures, and a skincare/makeup class. The young ladies had a wonderful time, creating lasting memories and learning valuable skills.
Tennessee New Jersey 📍
DCS’ International, Immigration, and Cultural Affairs Division took part in an event at Rutgers Law School in Newark, New Jersey, on June 13th, focused on addressing the immigration needs of foster youth. Senior Associate Counsel Keller Mizell and Program Director Antonia Zimmer represented the Department, contributing their expertise and support to this important discussion.
Exciting Things Ahead with GFBCI!
In late August DCS, the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI), and various community partners, will launch EVERY CHILD TN, a new statewide foster care initiative. More information about this exciting program will be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, watch this video featuring a conversation between Commissioner Quin and GFBCI Executive Director Lance Villio.