Tennessee Senate Bill SB1116

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Engrossed: 3/27/25
• Enrolled: 4/22/25
• Passed: 5/5/25
• Chaptered: 5/13/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36 and Title 68, relative to records.

Impact

The bill is significant as it modifies existing laws regarding child welfare and foster care systems in Tennessee. By formally incorporating provisions that focus on kinship placements, it reinforces the state's commitment to prioritize familial bonds when feasible. This change reflects a shift towards recognizing the importance of existing family connections in the nurturing of children, ultimately aiming to minimize trauma and maintain a sense of belonging for children who have faced instability in their home lives.

Summary

Senate Bill 1116 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 36 and Title 68, to enhance the efforts of the department of children's services in locating kinship foster care placements for children. This amendment seeks to improve the process and framework under which the state operates when searching for suitable relatives to foster youth, ultimately promoting the welfare of children in the state's care. The intent behind this legislative initiative is to create a more structured approach in kinship placements, ensuring that when children cannot remain with their immediate families, they are placed in environments that are conducive to their emotional and developmental needs.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SB1116 appears to be positive, with broad support for its emphasis on kinship care. Legislators recognized the merit in keeping children connected to their families whenever possible and focusing on the child's best interest. This approach is viewed favorably, as it aligns with national trends advocating for child welfare reforms that prioritize family connections over institutional placements. While there is general agreement on the necessity for such provisions, the specifics of implementation and resource allocation remain areas for further discussion.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the resources available to the department of children's services for executing these amendments effectively. As such laws are modernized to focus on kinship care, there may be concerns regarding funding, training, and support systems required to ensure successful placements. Stakeholders may debate the adequacy of existing frameworks and whether the amended law can substantively enhance outcomes without additional investments in child welfare systems.