Children's Developmental Programs & Services

Medically Fragile IDD (MF-IDD) Foster Homes provide short-term residential placement for children in DCS custody with acute medical needs who are awaiting long-term placement. Located in Davidson, Shelby, and Greene counties, these homes offer a safe, community-based setting where children receive nursing care, clinical therapies, and individualized support. These homes can serve up to 12 children, with four children residing in each home.

Focus: Medical stabilization and transitional residential support.

Foster Support Care Coordination (FSCC) provides financial support to foster families caring for children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) who have significant medical or behavioral needs. Through a Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HRA), families can access up to $10,000 per child annually for approved medically necessary expenses, helping reduce financial barriers, strengthen caregiver supports, and promote stable family placements. Independent Support Coordinators assist families in accessing and utilizing available benefits.

Focus: Supporting caregivers and strengthening foster placements.

A partnership between DDA and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD that provides wraparound behavioral supports, consultation, coaching, and direct assistance to children with I/DD who are in DCS custody or at risk of entering custody due to behavioral concerns.

Best for: Children and families needing intensive behavioral supports to maintain stability and prevent placement disruptions. 

Provides disability-specific consultation and guidance for child welfare cases involving children and youth with I/DD. The program supports DCS, courts, and partner agencies by offering recommendations, resources, and strategies to improve outcomes and placement stability.

Best for: Child welfare professionals managing complex cases involving children with I/DD.

Provides short-term support for children and youth with a diagnosed or suspected I/DD who are experiencing instability at home, school, or in the community. Services focus on connecting families to resources, reducing safety risks, and preventing unnecessary involvement with the child welfare system.

Best for: Families needing support, service coordination, and resource navigation before a crisis occurs.