TN Strong Families

Direct Support in TN Strong Family Homes

• DDA offers short-term placement to children in DCS custody with acute medical needs who are awaiting long-term placement. Often, these are children who are currently placed in children’s hospitals and emergency rooms.
• DDA provides this care in its former state-operated community homes in Davidson, Shelby and Greene counties.
• Children are able to receive needed nursing and clinical therapies while living in a home and engaging with their communities.

Supporting and Sustaining Foster Placements for Children with IDD Through the TN Strong Families HRA Program

• Supports foster families in offsetting the financial burden associated with high medical and behavioral needs
• Provides critical supports to help care for children with IDD and sustain stable placements
• Uses the Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HRA) model, where a family can use a card to buy medically necessary items to care for children or be reimbursed after the fact
• Provides funding for up to $20,000 per child per calendar year. Families will be supported to use this program with an Independent Support Coordinator.
• All referrals for TN Strong Families HRA come from DCS Case Workers. No external applications are accepted.

Expanding the Provider Network to Care for Children with IDD

• DDA is working to establish an experienced provider network to support children with IDD and co-occurring behavioral health needs
• Program will provide high levels of medical and behavioral programming as well as therapeutic respite support
• Program will also focus on helping children master independence skills and prepare for transition into adulthood
• Earliest anticipated start date: July 2024