About Us

The Department of Children’s Services is Tennessee’s public child welfare agency and establishes statewide standards for performance that reflect best practices for child welfare.

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.