Medically Fragile I/DD (MF-IDD) Foster Homes

Medically Fragile I/DD 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. Medically Fragile I/DD Foster Homes can serve up to 12 children, with four children residing in each home.

Eligibility Requirements

  • All referrals for Children’s Developmental Programs and Services must come from the DCS Director of Nursing.
  • Children must have a diagnosis of an intellectual and/or developmental disability with extensive or specialized medical care that requires ongoing supportive care but no longer requires inpatient hospitalization.
  • Children must be in state custody at time of referral.

Services Provided

  • DDA offers short-term placement to children in DCS custody with acute medical needs who are awaiting long-term placement. Often, these are children who are currently placed in children’s hospitals and emergency rooms.
  • DDA provides this care in its former state-operated community homes in Davidson, Shelby, and Greene counties.
  • Children are able to receive needed nursing and clinical therapies while living in a home and engaging with their communities.

How does the program work?

  • DCS or hospital staff refer eligible children in DCS custody with I/DD and complex medical needs to DDA I/DD Medically Fragile Foster Homes.
  • DDA reviews referral documentation and conducts assessments to determine eligibility.
  • Eligible children are placed in a DDA I/DD Medically Fragile Foster Home through coordination with DCS and medical providers.
  • Children receive nursing care, therapies, and individualized supports in a home-like setting.
  • Children participate in school, community activities, and daily living experiences while supported by an interdisciplinary care team.
  • As needs stabilize, DDA’s I/DD Medically Fragile Foster Home partners with DCS to transition children to a long-term family setting when appropriate.