Tennessee: Foster Care Rights

About this resource

Tennessee does not have an official bill of rights for youth in foster care, but the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) provides A Guide for Teens in Foster Care, which outlines your rights, expectations, and supports while in care.

The guide covers important areas such as:

Your right to live in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment
Access to education, health care, and personal documents
The ability to stay connected with family and friends
A voice in your case planning and court involvement
Protection from discrimination, abuse, or harassment

If you feel your rights are not being respected, talk with your Family Service Worker (FSW), foster parent, or Guardian ad Litem (GAL). If issues remain unresolved after a Child and Family Team Meeting (CFTM), you can contact the DCS Customer Relations Unit:

1-800-861-1935
[email protected]