The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) helps families provide care for older adults with chronic illness or disabilities in their homes. Services include counseling and support groups, caregiver training, respite care, personal care, homemaker services, and adult day care.
The National Cardiovascular Health Program is focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and management. The program tracks and monitors the quality of care provided for those at highest risk of CVD, and provides team-based care that support community referrals, self-management, and lifestyle changes. Before 2023, the program was a combined cooperative agreement with Diabetes that […]
Project Diabetes is a grant program that funds prevention projects that focus on changing policies, systems, and/or the environment to support healthier lifestyles in communities. Recent focus areas center on food and beverage accessibility and increasing physical activity. Approaches to PSE change help highlight how communities function, including how resources are allocated and how services […]
Statewide Drug Teams provide specialized case management to families with drug-exposed newborns (0-12 months). Cases arise through investigations involving drug exposure. Teams consist of licensed clinicians and peer advocates who provide families with tailored support in finding treatment and recovery options and support networks.
Through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and the Centers for Disease Control, the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBCSP) helps low-income, uninsured women gain access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Individuals requiring treatment for breast or cervical cancer or precancerous conditions of these diseases may […]
The Tennessee Lung & Colorectal Screening Program (TLCSP) is currently being developed to provide lung and colorectal cancer screening and limited diagnostic services to eligible Tennesseans using state funds. The primary objective of the program is to help low-income, uninsured Tennesseans access services to promote screening, early detection, and prevention of these diseases
Specialized Treatment Foster Homes are an alternative to residential settings, serving youth who need specialized care due to trauma, behavioral needs, and/or medical needs. These foster homes are led by parents with specific therapeutic and medical skills who are part of the clinical treatment team for youth who may otherwise need residential treatment facilities.
Assessment Treatment Homes provide safe and stable transitional housing for children entering state custody who have complex psychiatric and behavioral needs. Specialized evaluations and testing help determine long term placement options.
The OPTIONS for Community Living program provides aging adults, and adults with disabilities, with homemaker services, personal care, home delivered meals, and other personal assistance. The program helps people live independently in their homes and communities without the need for long-term care facilities.
This program covers a supply of 100 disposable diapers per month for TennCare and CoverKids-enrolled children under age two. Although TennCare has historically covered diapers and other incontinence products for individuals with illnesses or conditions that impact their ability to control their bladder or bowels, TennCare has not covered these products for children younger than […]
The Healthy Built Environment Grants program funds the construction or planning projects that promote the physical, mental, and social health of communities, drawing on evidence-based strategies related to access to physical activity opportunities and access to healthy foods. Projects include the establishment of walking tracks, playgrounds, sports facilities, greenways, and parks, all which are available […]
Provides support to children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and are in state custody. Support can include direct care services, support for foster families, and home and community-based services for children with complex needs. Direct care includes short-term placement in community homes for children with high medical needs currently awaiting placement while receiving care […]
A healthcare reimbursement account (HRA) for children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and are in state custody. An Independent Support Coordinator assists families with utilizing the benefit and understanding eligible expenses.
Health Starts aims to address members’ non-medical risk factors such as food insecurity, transportation, social supports and others. Through collaboration with the Managed Care Organizations and TennCare providers (including primary care, behavioral health, LTSS, BESMART, and others), program initiatives better screen, identify, and refer for non-medical risk factors. The program draws on evidence around the […]
TennCare is the state of Tennessee’s managed Medicaid program. The program is a partnership between the state and federal government. TennCare contracts with statewide managed care organizations to provide healthcare to mostly low-income pregnant women, parents or caretakers of a minor child, children, and individuals who are elderly or have a disability. To get Medicaid, […]
All babies born in Tennessee are required to be screened for metabolic conditions, hearing, and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) by the birthing facility. All abnormal or unsatisfactory newborn screening test results are sent to the follow-up program staff for action. Providers are contacted and referrals are made to tertiary centers across the state for […]
Population Health is the state of Tennessee’s care coordination effort to support TennCare Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) populations. The program contracts with statewide managed care organizations to improve healthcare outcomes such as increasing child vaccinations, reducing preterm births, and enhancing behavioral health services for adults with substance use disorder. To advance those […]
TennCare CHOICES is for adults aged 21 and older with a physical disability as well as seniors aged 65 and older. CHOICES offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in the home, on the job, or in the community to assist with daily living activities and allow people to work and be actively involved in […]
The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for children under age 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid. The program uses evidence-based approaches including primary care, preventive care visits, and vision screening. EPSDT is key to ensuring that children and adolescents receive appropriate preventive, dental, mental […]
The TennCare Katie Beckett Program is for children under age 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs who are not Medicaid eligible because of their parent’s income or assets. It helps to provide care for the child’s medical needs or disability that private insurance does not cover. Katie Beckett Part A (or “Part A” for […]
TDMHSAS-Homebuilders is an intensive family preservation services (IFPS) model designed to increase well-being, improve permanency, enhance safety, and increase family stability of children (ages 0-18) who are in or at imminent risk of out-of-home placement (OOHP) as a result of parent/caregiver substance misuse (PSM). The program utilizes the Homebuilders model, the nation’s oldest and best-documented […]
The Tennessee Recovery Oriented Compliance Strategy (TN-ROCS) Program is a specialized court docket that serves the criminal justice population that have medium risk factors for re-offending and medium to high needs for substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders, and that do not meet criteria for recovery court. The judge provides frequent accountability and supervision through participant […]
FEPI/On Track TN is designed to provide early intervention services for youth and young adults ages 15 to 30 who have experienced first-episode psychosis. This comprehensive intervention model is a team of mental health professionals and support services, focusing on helping people work toward recovery and meeting personal goals. The program includes the following components: individual and […]
Juvenile Justice Diversion Program is a grant program that provides six providers across Tennessee with funding for community-based behavioral health services to justice-involved youth. This program utilizes evidence-based strategies such as motivational interviewing, aggression replacement training, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
Mobile Crisis Services is a 24/7/365 response team for those who are experiencing a mental health emergency. Services may be accessed by calling 988 the suicide and crisis lifeline. Services may include telephone services provided by trained crisis specialists, face-to-face or telehealth crisis assessment, referral for additional services & treatment, stabilization of symptoms, and follow-up […]
A program designed to provide intensive long-term, wrap-around support services to allow people to be discharged from the state’s Regional Mental Health Institutes into supportive living facilities in the community. The goal of the Intensive Long-term Support (ILS) program is to provide quality, safe, and affordable permanent supportive housing for individuals discharging from the State’s […]
Peer Wellness Initiative is a peer-led health promotion, wellness, and self-management initiative created to improve the health and well-being of Tennesseans living with mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring disorders through one-on-one peer wellness coaching, health and wellness activities, and self-management workshops (such as the evidence-based Self-Management Resource Center curriculum). The Peer Wellness Initiative funds […]
Project Rural Recovery provides mobile, integrated primary, mental health, and substance abuse services to rural Tennesseans of all ages regardless of ability to pay. This program uses several evidence-based strategies including, Behavioral Health Integration (BHI), Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), Individual Placement and […]
The Regional Intervention Program (RIP) is a parent-implemented, professionally supported program for young children (2-6 years old) and their families experiencing challenging behaviors. This unique, internationally recognized program guides parents in learning the skills necessary to work with their own children, while they receive training and support from other RIP families.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress such as: thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried […]
The Tennessee Certified Recovery Court Program (TCRCP) requires that substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment services are provided under the national standards of the Ten (10) Key Components of Drug Courts and Adult Drug Court Best Practice Standards to non-violent offenders who volunteer to participate in a recovery court program.
Family Support and Advocacy program provides comprehensive family advocacy, outreach, support, and referral service for families of children with Serious Emotional Disturbances and professionals who work with these children. The program promotes the provision of services to youth with emotional disturbance and their families based on system of care principals, including evidence-based strategies such as […]
Community Supportive Housing provides safe, permanent housing with wraparound services for adults with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders. The program funds agencies to offer supervised and non-supervised group homes and apartments, as well as individualized housing plans that promote independent living, employment, wellness, and community engagement. Integrated within this program are targeted transitional supports […]
The Continuum of Care provides clinical treatment services for adults with a primary alcohol or other drug abuse, or dependency diagnosis or co-occurring substance use and psychiatric diagnosis, who meet certain eligibility requirements. Treatment levels of care are based on the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria. Service recipients can transfer between levels of […]
The Emerging Adult Services program is a strengths-based program to support young adults, ages 18-25, who have a Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), mental illness or a co-occurring disorder, as they transition to adulthood. Available services include quality, affordable and safe supportive housing with individualized support services for young adults who have been either in foster […]
The Lifeline Peer Project was established to reduce stigma related to the disease of addiction, provide recovery and mental health support, and help start Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, Double Trouble, and other self-help addiction and mental health support groups. There are 10 Lifeline coordinators serving regions statewide. This project was developed using an […]
The Older Adults Program (OAP) provides care management that can include several strategies, some of which are evidence-based, such as individual/group therapy, behavioral health assessment, medication management, referrals to mental health services and supports, and aging-related health education. The OAP is offered to individuals aged 50+ with behavioral health conditions (and their families/caregivers), needing person-centered […]
The Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program is a multi-purpose program designed to increase knowledge about problem and/or pathological gambling for those persons at risk, their families, and the general community; to identify and assess those with problem and/or pathological gambling conditions and provide outpatient treatment services if needed; and to continually assess regional needs and […]
Creating Homes Initiative Program (CHI) enables Tennessee to provide quality, safe, affordable, and permanent service-enriched housing to meet the needs of people experiencing mental illness and/or substance use disorder. Seed funding within the program unlocks additional sources of funding to help establish homes, as well as funding direct services to individuals in addition to housing. […]
Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) assists individuals experiencing homelessness who have mental illness or co-occurring disorders. The program provides community-based outreach services to connect individuals to mental health, substance abuse, case management, and other support services as well as limited housing services. Many of the services, strategies, and partners utilized in PATH, […]
The Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) provides recovery support services to service recipients that are recovering from life impairments because of substance use disorder(s) only or co-occurring disorders. Recovery support services include case management, drug testing, employment skills, health and wellness, recovery activities, recovery skills, relapse prevention, spiritual/pastoral support, transitional housing, and transportation.
The Criminal Justice Liaison Program (CJLP) is a community program to facilitate communication and coordination between the community, criminal justice, and behavioral health systems to achieve common goals of decriminalizing substance use disorders (SUD), co-occurring disorders (COD), and mental illness (MI). The CJLP supports services that promote diversion activities for persons with SUD, COD, and/or […]
The Peer Support Centers are peer-run programs led by Certified Peer Recovery Specialists where people who live with mental illness or a co-occurring disorder of mental illness and substance use disorder come together to learn about recovery, find support from their peers, and receive assistance navigating the community-based behavioral health system. Peer Recovery Call Centers […]
The Women’s Residential Recovery Court (WRRC) serves female non-violent felony offenders who are actively participating in a local recovery court, have a greater need for intensive substance abuse and/or co-occurring treatment services and supervision, and have not been successful in recovery court programming in their community. Participants receive treatment services for no more than twelve […]
Tennessee Recovery Navigators are people in long-term recovery who meet patients who have recently overdosed in the Emergency Department and connect them with the substance abuse treatment and recovery services they need. Navigators maintain a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) Certification to use their lived experience to help others find recovery. Navigators connect individuals entering emergency […]
The Oxford House Housing Program (OHHP) offers supportive self-help housing for individuals recovering from substance use disorder. Oxford Houses are safe, supportive housing options for adults at least 18 years old who are in recovery from alcohol abuse and/or drug abuse. Individuals must be motivated to live in a disciplined, supportive, alcohol- and drug-free living […]
Youth Respite provides services to families of children identified as seriously emotionally disturbed (SED) or dually diagnosed as SED and Autism Spectrum Disorder who are two through fifteen (2-15) years of age. Respite consultants provide short-term respite, and work with the family to identify long-range respite resources. An Individualized Family Respite Plan (IFRP) is developed […]
The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is both a community coalition and a specialized, 40-hour community-based course for law enforcement and other first responders. The CIT training is designed to increase knowledge and understanding of mental illness and substance use disorder, decrease stigma, and increase empathy, introduce community resources and partners that can assist in […]
The Behavioral Health Safety Net for Adults provides core, essential, outpatient mental health services to uninsured Tennesseans who meet program eligibility criteria through a network of community mental health centers. This includes interventions, several of which are evidence-based, like assessment and evaluation, therapeutic interventions, case management, transportation, peer support services, psychosocial rehabilitation services, psychiatric medication […]
The Adolescent Substance Use Disorders Services Program (ASUDSP) provides for the treatment of adolescents, 13–17 years old, with a primary alcohol or other drug abuse or dependency diagnosis or co-occurring substance use and psychiatric diagnosis. Services are provided on an as-needed basis and as applicable for each individual who meets the eligibility and income requirements […]
Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs) in Tennessee are non-hospital, short-term stabilization programs available 24/7 that bring together the state’s walk-in, respite, and stabilization services into a single continuum of care. Individuals may first access help through Crisis Walk-In Centers, which provide face-to-face mental health assessments, 23-hour observation, referrals, and follow-up care. For those needing temporary support […]
The SOAR (SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access, and Recovery) Liaison program plays a vital role in identifying patients ready for discharge, particularly those facing homelessness or at risk of homeless, and who are eligible for SSI/SSDI benefits. Stationed at the four Regional Mental Health Institutes, SOAR Liaisons facilitate successful SSI/SSDI applications and provide support to individuals in […]
The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) program in Tennessee provides funding for Adult Homemaker Services and Adult Day Care services. Services are limited to low-income elderly or disabled adults who meet federal poverty guidelines or are referred by the DHS Adult Protective Services Program due to allegations of abuse or neglect.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides administrative and operational payments to eligible agencies for serving meals to low-income children. The SFSP is a partnership between the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) and community-based organizations to provide free meals to children in their communities throughout the summer. Eligible […]
The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) is a statewide program designed to increase access to, and acquisition of, assistive technology devices and services. Through funding assistance, device demonstration, device loan and device reutilization, TTAP and a network of assistive technology centers help people with disabilities and their families find and get the tools that they […]
Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance is financial assistance available to income-eligible families who are working or enrolled in postsecondary education programs and have children from age six weeks through the start of kindergarten.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutritional assistance initiative administered at the state level. SNAP funding provides SNAP Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), Informational Activities to Low-Income Households (SNAP Outreach), Disaster SNAP, SNAP Employment and Training (individual section), and Online Purchasing programs.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program that provides reimbursement for eligible meals that are served to participants who meet age and income requirements.
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federally funded grant program that aims to combat poverty within communities by removing the barriers to self-sufficiency clients may encounter.
The Families First Community Grant program was created as an additional method to invest TANF funds in ways to provide long-term benefits to low-income families and help them move towards economic stability.
Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing Community Grants—administered by the Tennessee Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing (TCDDBHH)—enable the provision of culturally appropriate services and direct support to Tennesseans who experience hearing loss and their families. Services include pro bono American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services, educational workshops and training, and support […]
The overarching goal of the TOA Pilot program is to help individuals (and their families) with low incomes become self-sufficient. Pilots are using a variety of care coordination models to increase families’ capacity for self-sufficiency across multiple domains and are being evaluated to determine their impact within the community.
The Child & Adult Care Licensing Pre-Licensure Unit provides technical assistance and support to customers who are seeking to become licensed child or adult care providers. Staff coordinate orientations, conduct site visits, provide coaching on the licensing process, and connect applicants with resources, such as small business academies and establishment grants.
The Child Support Re-entry team is designed to help parents, who are incarcerated for more than 180 days and have a current child support obligation greater than $100, with obtaining a modification of their court order.
Families First, the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, is a workforce development and employment program. The Families First program emphasizes work, training, and personal responsibility. Benefits are temporary and have a primary focus on gaining self-sufficiency through employment. The Families First program helps participants reach this goal by providing temporary cash assistance, […]
Independent Living Older Blind Program (ILOB) provides services for individuals aged 55 or older who are blind or visually impaired to enable them to live as independently as possible in their homes and communities. Rehabilitation teachers provide independent living services on a one-on-one basis and coordinate services from other agencies and organizations. Services include but […]
The School Based Dental Prevention Program (SBDPP) is a statewide program targeting children in grades pre-kindergarten through eighth in Title I eligible schools. The program offers preventive services that include, but not limited to, oral health education, oral health screenings, referrals for care, immediate need follow-up, dental sealants, and fluoride applications to children in the […]
The Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Program provides primary care, dental, behavioral/mental health care, and specialty care access to uninsured adults ages 19 to 64 across Tennessee. The program is delivered through Federally Qualified Health Centers, community and faith-based providers, and care coordination service providers.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides screening, counseling, and supplemental foods to low-income pregnant and postpartum breastfeeding women and supplemental foods to infants and children at risk due to inadequate nutrition. Through promotion and modification of food practices, this program seeks to minimize the risk of complications to mothers […]
Evidence-Based Home Visiting (EBHV) programs can be an effective early-intervention strategy to improve the health and well-being of children and parents. EBHV provides support and resources to improve family functioning and parenting skills, link families with appropriate social service agencies, promote early learning, and ultimately help new parents provide safe, nurturing environments with greater self-sufficiency. […]
Faith-Based and Community Engagement provides enhanced patient-centered engagement, assistance with navigating complex systems, and care coordination of medical and social service needs for minority, rural and vulnerable populations. It does this through outreach workers who attend community events and work with community health partners to connect individuals to services through referrals to community providers and […]
The HIV Program covers prevention, care, and surveillance services. It is designed to lower HIV infection, illness, and death rates for at-risk Tennesseans. Prevention includes condom distribution, PrEP (Pre-Exposure prophylaxis) counseling and care, and education around safe practices. Care involves providing HIV medication and provider visits. Surveillance monitors the ongoing state of HIV in Tennessee.
The Maternal Mortality Review Program identifies and addresses the factors contributing to poor pregnancy outcomes and facilitates state system changes to improve the health of women before, during, and after pregnancy. In particular, all deaths occurring during pregnancy or within a year of pregnancy are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team to identify contributing factors and […]
The Perinatal Regionalization System is a statewide infrastructure that supports an appropriate, accessible high-risk perinatal and neonatal health care system that meets the needs of high-risk infants and child-bearing aged women in Tennessee. This system includes 24-hour telephone consultation with physicians and nurses, professional education within the region, transportation of high-risk pregnant women and infants […]
The Hemophilia program assists individuals suffering from hemophilia and other genetic bleeding disorders. The program provides financial assistance to participants in the form of reimbursements to health care providers. It also contracts with four hemophilia treatment centers to provide professional and clinical services to patients.
Patient Care Advocacy supports Tennesseans with their concerns around health care access and/or accessing state services or benefits. It also supports healthy aging, which includes palliative care, advanced care planning, elder abuse prevention and dementia diagnosis and prevention.
The Renal Health program assists individuals suffering from End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or who are at risk of developing ESRD. The program provides financial assistance to participants in the form of reimbursements to health care providers. It partners with dialysis centers to provide professional and clinical services to patients.
The Clinical Dental Services program provides oral health education, emergency and basic dental services to adults and children in health department settings. By providing these services, this program seeks to improve the oral health and ultimately the overall health of Tennesseans.
TDH’s Primary Care program provides primary care services to uninsured and underinsured Tennesseans in 52 counties (57 Local Health Department Sites), increasing access to quality healthcare. Our clinics offer comprehensive services such as managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, including necessary labs and medications, preventive services such as cancer screenings and immunizations, […]
The Community Health Access and Navigation in Tennessee (CHANT) program is an integrated model of care coordination provided through local health departments. The program serves children and youth with special health care needs, pregnant and postpartum women, children under 21, and families. It provides enhanced patient-centered engagement, assistance with navigating complex systems, and care coordination of […]
The Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Program works to prevent STIs in the state of Tennessee. It monitors trends in STIs, ensures patients with STIs receive treatment, and conducts investigations to prevent and slow the spread of STIs. It works with community partners to coordinate prevention activities. The program uses evidence-based approaches including expedited partner therapy […]
The Tuberculosis Elimination Program provides surveillance, oversight of case management activities and contact investigations, training and education, procurement of anti-tuberculosis medications, and fiscal oversight to health departments throughout the state of Tennessee. Program staff work collaboratively with regional and local health department TB staff to ensure screening, testing, and treatment of individuals with suspected or […]
The Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program (VPDIP) works to reduce and eliminate the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases affecting children, adolescents, and adults by raising the immunization coverage rates of Tennessee citizens. VPDIP operates federally-funded vaccine programs, supports providers with voluntary immunization data, and prepares to support communities in the case of disease outbreak.
The Viral Hepatitis Program oversees hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevention, surveillance, linkage to care, and provides clinical support to health departments throughout the state. It includes Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) HCV Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) that builds treatment capacity for adults and children living with hepatitis C. TDH HCV Project ECHO […]
Children’s Special Services (CSS) is the State Title V Program for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). CSS provides access to comprehensive medical care for children with physical disabilities from birth to 21 years of age. One of the primary goals of the program is to increase the number of children who […]
The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program promotes the prevention of lead poisoning in children and links lead-poisoned children from birth through 6 years of age to recommended services. The program assists medical care providers and other community members to reduce and prevent lead poisoning by providing case management, local outreach and education, and surveillance of lead […]
Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) within TDH’s Overdose Response Coordination Office is a CDC-funded grant program that supports Tennessee jurisdictions in implementing drug overdose prevention activities, in collecting accurate, comprehensive, and timely data on nonfatal and fatal overdoses, and in using those data to enhance programmatic and surveillance efforts. The program focuses on understanding and […]
Reproductive and Women’s Health promotes the health and well-being of women. Strategies to decrease unplanned and mistimed pregnancies and make sure women get high-quality health care before, during, and after pregnancy and throughout their lifetimes, can help reduce serious health problems and deaths. We use evidence-based strategies such as breast cancer screening, long-acting reversible contraception access, […]
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) provides services and resources to special needs children and their families. Services and resources are comprehensive, culturally sensitive, evidence-based and family-centered and are based on the individualized and specific child and family needs. CYSHCN services include the Children’s Special Services Program, Community Health Access and Navigation […]
The Injury Prevention and Detection program implements evidence-based interventions to reduce accidental injuries and death within the state. Unintentional injury is the number one cause of death for Tennesseans ages 1-44. The program works to reduce adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), traumatic brain injury, motor vehicle crashes, and suicide through education and training, technical assistance, and […]
Diabetes Prevention and Management Programs make it easier for people with prediabetes to participate in affordable, high-quality lifestyle change programs to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve their overall health. Through the program, partner organizations deliver CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs as well as diabetes self-management programs that help patients and families […]
The Tobacco Use Prevention & Control Program (TUPCP) administers, promotes, and evaluates programs and initiatives that prevent initiation and support tobacco cessation across the state. Public and private sector organizations partner to implement programs including community and youth engagement, policy development, the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, and the prenatal smoking cessation program. All programs are free […]
Victims Services provides funding to support foundational services for victims of crime, including safe housing, crisis hotlines, forensic exams, victim advocacy, therapeutic services, legal assistance, and more. Program funding also providing opportunities for innovative, systems-level projects that focus on coordination between multiple agencies and levels of government, like Family Justice Centers, Sexual Assault Response Teams, […]
The Domestic Violence program aims to reduce the trauma or effects of trauma caused by domestic violence. It does this by providing support services such as therapeutic services, court advocacy, household necessities, transportation support, as well as additional possible supports. It provides a safety plan that may include temporary, safe shelter.
The TN AWARE project aims to build state and local collaborative infrastructure to plan and implement mental health services within grant awarded school districts. The grant program increases youth access to services and resources in schools by raising awareness about mental health issues, increasing early identification and screening of youth to detect unmet behavioral health […]
The Early Childhood Quality and Supports Office works to understand the current birth to 5-year-old landscape in Tennessee, build a comprehensive strategic plan identifying and capitalizing on areas of opportunity to ensure these children are in safe, healthy, and high-quality school-administered child care programs in public, private, and community-based programs in alignment with State Board […]
Tennessee’s 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Programs are Medicaid waivers approved by the federal government to provide HCBS to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In particular, the waivers allow Tennessee to develop home and community-based services to meet the needs of people who prefer to get long-term care services and supports in […]
The Seating and Positioning Clinics— located in Greeneville, Nashville, and Arlington— serve children and adults with seating and positioning needs by creating custom therapeutic equipment and modifying existing seating systems. At the clinics, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and equipment fabricators work closely with individuals to support them in a safe and comfortable way, promoting optimal […]
The Katie Beckett Program provides supports and services for children with disabilities and complex medical needs under age 18 who do not qualify for Medicaid due to their parents’ income or assets. Part B is for children in Tennessee who have disabilities and complex medical needs who live at home and do not qualify for […]
The Tennessee START Assessment & Stabilization Teams (TN START) is a statewide mental health service for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have complex behavioral or mental health needs (MH-IDD). The START model is a comprehensive model of service supports for community-based crisis prevention and intervention that optimizes independence, treatment, and community living for […]
The Family Support Program offers individuals with severe disabilities and their families who do not receive any other comprehensive services the opportunity to remain together and to choose supports that increase their quality of life and well-being, regardless of age and income. The program is used for a wide range of costs and services related […]
The Harold Jordan Center (HJC) provides unique, individualized clinical treatment to stabilize and treat a behaviorally complex population in order to improve quality of life and provide steppingstones for community re-integration. The HJC utilizes therapeutic and behavioral interventions, a supportive environment, vocational training/employment education, skills development, and optimal health/psychiatric diagnostic assessment to enable individuals to […]
Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) at community-based homes provide 24-hour supports to maintain the physical, intellectual, social and emotional capabilities of people supported. The homes meet all applicable federal and state code requirements for ICF/IID programs, are wheelchair accessible, and have the added safety measure of fire sprinkler systems.
Enabling Technology is a person-centered approach that provides access to equipment and/or methodologies that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities increase their independence, achieve personal development, and enhance their self-determination in their homes, communities, and/or workplaces. The Enabling Technology Program is available to any person enrolled in the 1915(c) waivers, Employment and Community First […]
Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence (MAPs) is a program that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn new skills, become employed, live independently, learn about their neighborhoods, and find hobbies that interest them. The services in this program help people identify community interests and resources, build a Virtual Community Resource Map, establish meaningful community […]
Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive treatment for troubled youth delivered in multiple settings. This program aims to promote pro-social behavior and reduce criminal activity, mental health symptomology, out-of-home placements, and illicit substance use in 12- to 17-year-old youth. Specifically, the aim is to eliminate or significantly reduce the frequency and severity of the youth’s […]
In Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), parents are coached by a trained therapist in behavior-management and relationship skills. PCIT is a program for two- to seven-year-old children and their parents or caregivers that aims to decrease externalizing child behavior problems, increase positive parenting behaviors, and improve the quality of the parent-child relationship. During weekly sessions, therapists coach […]
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is provided to children with a known trauma history who are experiencing significant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, whether or not they meet full diagnostic criteria. Children with depression, anxiety, and/or shame related to their traumatic exposure, and children experiencing childhood traumatic grief can also benefit from the treatment.
The Education & Outreach programs support strategies to reduce fire loss in communities throughout the state. Using data analysis of fire reports, targeted fire prevention programs, such as “Get Alarmed, TN,” Fire Loss Consultants and Close the Door have been developed and delivered. Additional programs support community risk reduction efforts at the local level to […]
Non-Custodial Services supports the provision of services, resources, and support to non-custodial families to help promote a positive and stable home, free of safety risks and concerns that may threaten a child’s continued stay in their home. Non-custodial services utilizes case management and evidence-based strategies, such as Relative Caregiver Programs, Intercept, Multisystemic Therapy (MST), Parent […]
Child Programs: Permanency Services supports the timely achievement of permanency for children in foster care by safely returning children to their families or building other permanent relationships. This program is dependent upon ensuring an adequate pool of well-supported and well-trained, quality foster homes and an adequate pool of quality residential treatment centers sufficient to meet […]
Child Programs: Independent Living implements the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood to include Extension of Foster Care Services for youth aged 14 and older transitioning out of foster care at age 18. Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based intervention used in this program.
Juvenile Court Prevention Grants are provided annually to twenty-seven (27) grantee to provide prevention services for youth in danger of coming into state custody due to delinquent behavior. Program areas include intensive probation, intensive aftercare, alternative school programs, and truancy prevention.
Justice-involved youth can be placed into state’s custody for an indeterminate and determinate amount of time to receive rehabilitative services. This includes case management, medical, dental, mental health and educational services. Placement is located based upon treatment needs and level of risk youth pose to the community.
The Office of Training and Professional Development for Foster Families offers learning opportunities that support adoptive, foster, and kinship parents in their efforts to provide a safe, nurturing, and loving environment for the children in their care. Examples of training include: TN Key, Preventing Suicide among Foster Care Youth, Creating Normalcy through Prudent Parenting, Child […]
Intercept is an integrated, intensive in-home parenting skills program used to safely prevent children from entering custody or to reunify them with family as quickly as possible if a period of out of home care is necessary. Intercept provides intensive in-home services to children and youth (ages 0-18) at risk of entry or re-entry into […]
The non-custodial juvenile justice program serves youth who are on probation, intensive probation, diversion or have been released from state custody and are on aftercare. These youth are at imminent risk of coming into or recommitting to state custody, due to delinquent behavior. One evidence-based intervention for these case types is Multisystemic Therapy (MST).
Child Advocacy Centers provide a safe, child-friendly environment for child victims of severe abuse, in which law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals may share information and develop effective, coordinated strategies sensitive to the needs of each unique case and child.
A forensic interview is a way for specially trained staff to gain details about possible abuse from a child in his or her own words. Sensitive to the child’s emotional and developmental needs, interviewers gather as many facts as possible about allegations in a comfortable and child-focused manner.
Tennessee Safe Baby Courts use a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to dependency and neglect cases with the needs of the youngest children (ages 0-3 and their siblings) as the touchstones for decisions in a case. Anchored by the Juvenile Court judge or magistrate, each court team works together to address barriers to permanency and to meet […]
Wilder Youth Development Center in Somerville, TN, is a secure, residential 24-hour facility for male youth who have been adjudicated delinquent for serious felony offenses, with the goal to improve behavior and independence for a successful return to the community. Comprehensive services are provided via case management in the following areas: education, recreation, medical health, […]
The Absconder Unit is a team of investigators who continuously work with local and state law enforcement agencies to locate missing children/youth who have ran or absconded from DCS custody or supervision. The investigators spend most of their time in the communities looking for youth by responding to leads, making home/school visits, participating in surveillance […]
The Child Health division of DCS works to ensure that the health care needs of the children served by DCS are met through a variety of efforts: 1) Child Health Nurse Consultants monitor and support custodial children, and connect families to health related resources; 2) Safety Nurses provide technical assistance to CPS investigators; 3) The […]
