Tennessee House Bill HB1139

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 37, relative to children.

Impact

The implications of HB1139 are significant as it mandates the CPORT to provide insights into the status of children in state care and to measure the effectiveness of existing services. By introducing this review team, the bill intends to promote a systematic approach for policymakers to enhance safety and well-being for children and families in Tennessee. The requirement for an annual report presents an avenue for ongoing assessment and continuous improvement within the Department of Children's Services.

Summary

House Bill 1139 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting Title 4 and Title 37, to enhance the oversight and effectiveness of the state's services for children. The bill sets into motion the establishment of a Children's Program Outcome Recovery Team (CPORT), which will be tasked with reviewing cases involving children and families served by the Department of Children's Services. The CPORT will not only collect and analyze essential data regarding the children and families but also assess the effectiveness of the service delivery system.

Contention

While the bill represents a proactive step towards improving child welfare services, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation and efficacy. Questions could arise about the resources allocated to the CPORT and the methods used for case assessments, including face-to-face interviews and data analysis. Additionally, the effectiveness of the recommendations prescribed by the CPORT could be scrutinized, particularly if there is a perception that the existing services are not being adequately addressed or funded.