AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 36-1-113 and Section 37-2-415, relative to foster parents.

More information, privacy duties for foster parents

Beginning July 1, 2026, Tennessee's Department of Children's Services must promptly give foster parents all information about the child, family background, and health history, plus ongoing information relevant to care. Foster parents must also get copies of petitions to end parental rights when the child is in department custody or guardianship and has lived with them for at least nine consecutive months. If the department files the petition, it must provide the copy within seven days after filing. If another party files, the department must provide the copy within seven days after being formally served with it. Foster parents must keep confidential information, including these petitions, private unless sharing is necessary to promote or protect the child's health and welfare.