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SB 1850

Children's Services, Dept. of - As enacted, prohibits the department from requiring a relative caregiver, including relatives in the kinship foster care program, to provide a child with the child's own bedroom in determining whether to place the child in the custody of the relative caregiver. - Amends TCA Title 37.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Rose

Tennessee bill prohibits child welfare agencies from requiring relative caregivers to provide children separate bedrooms when determining kinship foster care placements.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SB 1850

Legislative bill overview

SB 1850 amends Tennessee's child welfare law to prohibit the Department of Children's Services from requiring relative caregivers—including those in kinship foster care programs—to provide a child with their own bedroom as a condition for placement. The bill removes this specific housing requirement from custody determination criteria.

Why is this important

Kinship care (children placed with relatives rather than strangers) is often the preferred outcome in child welfare because it maintains family connections and is typically less disruptive. However, strict bedroom requirements can prevent eligible relatives from taking custody, potentially forcing children into non-relative foster care or institutional settings. This change could expand placement options while keeping children with family, though it may reduce housing standards oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing standards vs. family unity: Opponents may argue that private bedroom requirements protect child welfare and development, while supporters contend these standards create unnecessary barriers that harm children by preventing family placements
  • Oversight and inspection concerns: Removing this measurable requirement could make it harder to monitor living conditions, versus the argument that caseworkers can assess adequacy through other means
  • Implementation questions: Unclear whether this removes the requirement entirely or only prohibits it as a sole determining factor, potentially creating confusion in custody decisions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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