Plain English Breakdown
The official summary text provided does not include specific details about all six listed rights, but it is implied that they are covered under (1)–(6).
Foster Care Rights Act
This act requires Tennessee's Department of Children's Services to create rules that protect and inform foster children about their rights.
What This Bill Does
- Creates a list of basic rights for foster children, such as the right to education, appropriate care in the least restrictive setting, safe living conditions, medical care, and protection from punishment when reporting violations.
- Requires the department to train its employees on these rights so they can help foster children understand them.
- Instructs the department to make materials explaining these rights in a way that is easy for children to understand and gives this information within 30 days of entering foster care.
- Mandates that these materials are reviewed every five years.
Who It Names or Affects
- Foster children who are under the care of Tennessee's Department of Children's Services or agencies working with the department.
- Employees and staff members of the Department of Children's Services who work directly with foster children.
Terms To Know
- foster child
- A child placed in a family other than their own by the government because they cannot live at home safely.
- least restrictive setting
- The environment that gives a person the most freedom and normal life experiences while still meeting their needs.
Limits and Unknowns
- It is not clear how these rules will be enforced or what happens if they are broken.
- The bill does not specify who exactly will develop and review the materials explaining foster children's rights.