NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Insufficient state resources are forcing the Tennessee Department of Children Services to place children with out-of-state providers, the department confirmed to WSMV4 Thursday.

TDCS reports that lack of resources hinders its ability to support the complex needs of the children in its care.

The department said it has secured resources to support these children by expanding its foster care network to include out-of-state providers. In October, 229 juveniles were placed with out-of-state providers, TDCS said.

“I cannot categorize which children are sent to specific facilities because the needs of our young people are quite complex. Some children are placed out of state simply because of capacity limitations in Tennessee. Others are placed out of state because their complex needs cannot be met here. There is also limited capacity in out-of-state systems, so our young people need to be spread based on their needs and available capacity in other systems,” a department spokesman said.

TDCS is working to recruit additional providers in Tennessee, and its Real Estate Plan will create additional capacity in the state.

“These efforts will further reduce the need to send youth out of state. It is also important to note that DCS provides financial assistance for parents to visit children placed out of state. Maintaining contact between youth and birth parents is an important factor in our goal of successful family reunification,” the spokesperson added.

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