Budget Recommendations

A collage of children of various ages in settings including the grocery store, school, and with their parents.

Youth Justice

Teen girl looking happy while sitting on a couch speaking with a therapist

Create a state-supported grant program to help communities implement evidence-based practices that address anger, aggression, and domestic violence education,targeting the growing trend of assault charges among adolescent girls.

More details about this recommendation can be located in the FY2027 Budget Recommendation document on our archive webpage. 

Child Welfare

Parents sitting on the couch with two young children reading them a book

Reduce time in custody by strengthening services that help caregivers fulfill permanency plan requirements.

More details about this recommendation can be located in the FY2027 Budget Recommendation document on our archive webpage. 

a group of diverse participants attend a training in a large room

Recognize TEN-4 Day statewide and support regional awareness through state-funded educational events aimed at preventing child abuse.

More details about this recommendation can be located in the FY2027 Budget Recommendation document on our archive webpage. 

Child Welfare & Youth Justice

A woman looks at a spreadsheet online comparing it to papers she is holding

Create a publicly accessible database containing licensure information for all childcare agencies defined under TCA § 37-5-501, to enhance transparency and accountability in placements.

More details about this recommendation can be located in the FY2027 Budget Recommendation document on our archive webpage. 

Health

A one year old is smiling in a pool while being held up in the water by a swim instructor

Provide state-supported swim instruction for TennCare-enrolled children ages 1–4 as a preventive health and safety measure aimed at reducing the risk of drowning and promoting early childhood water safety.

More details about this recommendation can be located in the FY2027 Budget Recommendation document on our archive webpage. 

A mother and small child look at produce in the grocery store

Create a comprehensive approach to absorb additional SNAP financial obligations at the state level while implementing measures to reduce administrative error rates.

More details about this recommendation can be located in the FY2027 Budget Recommendation document on our archive webpage. 

Mental Health

A young therapist is smiling in conversation with a supervisor

Establish a grant program to offset the cost of licensure supervision hours for mentalhealth professionals, helping to grow and sustain Tennessee’s behavioral healthworkforce.

More details about this recommendation can be located in the FY2027 Budget Recommendation document on our archive webpage. 

Child Care

Establish a statewide paid family leave program to support early parent-child bonding,reduce financial hardship for working families, and ease pressure on Tennessee’s limitedinfant care system.

More details about this recommendation can be located in the FY2027 Budget Recommendation document on our archive webpage. 

Family Economics

A dad is giving a baby a bottle while on the phone and looking at his laptop

Build an easy-to-use, centralized website where families can explore all publicly funded children’s programs in Tennessee, complete a common eligibility screener, apply forservices, and connect with benefits navigators.

More details about this recommendation can be located in the FY2027 Budget Recommendation document on our archive webpage.