June Open Line
A Look Back on Foster Care Month 2024
Last month, Governor Lee proclaimed May 2024 as Foster Care Month in Tennessee. As the month draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the foster parents across the Volunteer State who dedicate their time and resources to ensuring each child in their care has a loving place to call home.
To conclude Foster Care Month, Governor Lee visited the DCS Regional Office in Johnson City to meet with employees and share some exciting updates.
To read Governor Lee’s full proclamation, click here.
Safe Baby Court Launches in Hamilton County!
Hamilton County has joined more than a dozen other counties in Tennessee by launching a Safe Baby Court program! Commissioner Quin and DCS Deputy General Counsel Sammi Maifair joined other state leaders to celebrate this huge step forward for children and families in the Chattanooga area. The program works with motivated parents, attorneys, case managers, and child welfare professionals to help families reunite or find positive outcomes for the children.
For more details about the launch, read the full article here.
Recent Adoptions! 🎉❤️
We are thrilled to celebrate the recent adoptions of several wonderful children and the loving families who have welcomed them into their homes. Congratulations to all the children and families who had their adoptions finalized recently! Here are a few of them:
Congratulations to Jayla and the whole Land family!
We’re so happy for Eli Orange and his parents! 🧡
Congratulations to Rylee and her amazing family!
Congratulations, Ken Knight!
We are thrilled to share an inspiring update about Ken Knight, a participant in the DCS Extension of Foster Care Program. Ken has just graduated from ETSU with a Master's Degree in Social Work! Our very own Courtney Matthews had the honor of participating in Ken's hooding ceremony. We're incredibly proud of you, Ken!
DCS Upper Cumberland's Resource Linkage Coordinator Recognized
Congratulations to Jessica Tucker, Upper Cumberland Region’s Resource Linkage Coordinator, who has been honored as the Prevention Partner of the Month by the Power of Putnam!
Power of Putnam (PoP) is a coalition of community members dedicated to addressing substance misuse in Putnam County. They work to prevent and reduce substance misuse, particularly underage drinking, by uniting the community and supporting local agencies. PoP's mission is to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build character and resiliency, aiming for drug-free children and youth.
DCS Hosts First Drug Academy Training
DCS recently held its first Drug Academy, a dynamic 2.5-day training session for DCS employees in Middle Tennessee. The event featured engaging presentations on drug identification and trends, the addicted brain, DCS policies, and various treatment methods. Attendees were thrilled to participate in sessions on marijuana, CBD, prenatal exposure, and the crucial link between drugs and human trafficking. A special highlight was the National Guard's fascinating "stashed away" truck, available for walkthroughs. This training was an incredible opportunity for staff to enhance their knowledge and skills in tackling substance misuse.
Recording Studio at Wilder YDC Ready for Use
Youth at Wilder have an exciting new opportunity! Thanks to a federal grant and the support of Creative Hope Studios, a brand-new recording facility is now open at the Wilder Youth Development Center. This state-of-the-art space, complete with an audio-digital interface, pre-amps, and professional monitors, provides a unique platform for creative expression.
Creative Hope Studios is a renowned organization that leverages hip-hop culture and creative arts to engage and inspire youth in the juvenile justice system and at-risk schools. Founded by music professionals, juvenile justice trainers, and community activists, Creative Hope Studios aims to foster self-expression, personal growth, and positive change.
An Update on Brett Donnals, DCS Director of Media
We ❤ this update. Brett Donnals, Director of Media for the DCS Communications Team, completed his final chemotherapy treatment last week. He got to participate in the widely known ‘ring the bell’ celebration as he left the hospital. Brett underwent an aggressive 12-week chemotherapy treatment plan for a tumor that developed on his hip/femur. Next, he will have surgery to replace part of his femur. Brett has been juggling treatments and his job duties, all with the great attitude and smile we have come to know him for.
Independent Living Day at Austin Peay
Youth transitioning out of foster care have an exciting opportunity to explore college life at Austin Peay State University through IL Preview Day, a two-day overnight event from June 10-11. This event is a collaboration between the DCS Office of Independent Living and APSU's Housing, Residence Life, and Dining Services and will feature:
- Insights into the admissions process, financial aid, degree programs, supportive services, and employment opportunities.
- Panel discussions with current students, faculty, and staff.
- An overnight stay in the residence halls, complete with engaging events and activities led by student-staff participants.
This event is designed to provide valuable information and experiences to help youth transition smoothly into higher education.
2024 Joint Planning Session Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2024 Joint Planning Session on May 8th! Our primary focus this year was the development of our new Child and Family Service Plan (CFSP) 2024–2029. During the session, participants heard about potential strategies for the new plan and worked in small groups to develop other innovative ideas to improve services for the children and families of Tennessee. This session was a valuable opportunity to collaborate and contribute to building a stronger child welfare system in Tennessee.
The House That Holly Built
Holly White, a dedicated DCS employee who passed away earlier this year, was honored by her colleagues in the Upper Cumberland Region. After an employee discovered a box of Holly’s business cards, they gave the cards to a friend who is an art teacher. The art teacher’s students then created a beautiful piece of art in Holly’s memory. This tribute has been placed in the memorial spot at the Smith County office, commemorating Holly’s remarkable commitment to finding forever homes for youth in need.
Congratulations, Becca!
Congratulations to Becca Pederson who was named the Central Office Employee of the Month for May 2024. Way to go, Becca!
New Director of Foster Care
Meredith Worsham will be serving as our new Director of Foster Care. Many of you know Meredith from her role as the Director of Permanency in Child Programs, her work in Program Evaluation, her support of the FHQT work in the Central Office, and her extensive experience in the field as a worker and supervisor in Foster Care and CPS.
Join us in congratulating Meredith on her new role!
New Regional Director for Child Programs Named in Smoky Mountain Region
Ashley Westaway has been appointed as the new Child Programs Regional Director for the Smoky Region. In addition to her new role, Ashley will continue her duties as the Child Protective Services Regional Director for the Knox and East Regions.
Please join us in welcoming Ashley to her new role!
