Tennessee House Bill HB2045

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/29/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 36, relative to the creation of the state foster care and adoption review board.

Impact

The legislation will empower the new board to provide oversight for pilot programs under the Department of Children's Services. It aims to review reports and gather data to improve foster care systems, potentially transforming how the state responds to children's welfare issues in foster care and adoption. By including members with personal experience in the foster care system, the board will seek to bring direct insight into necessary reforms, which could positively influence policy and regulation concerning foster care in Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 2045 aims to amend the Tennessee Code by establishing the State Foster Care and Adoption Review Board. This initiative seeks to enhance oversight of the Department of Children's Services and to address significant issues related to foster care and adoption. The bill outlines a governance structure for the board, which will include diverse members such as former foster children, current foster parents, licensed counselors, juvenile court judges, and case managers representing various geographical divisions of Tennessee.

Contention

Discussion around HB2045 could highlight debates over appropriate oversight and the representation of voices in child welfare discussions. Some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the composition of the board and whether the appointed members truly reflect the experiences of a diverse range of stakeholders affected by foster care and adoption policies. Furthermore, the bill’s success relies on effective collaboration within appointed members, which may present challenges if differing perspectives about the governance of child welfare emerge.