WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2165

Foster Care - As enacted, requires the department of children's services to provide a copy of a petition to terminate parental rights for a child in the custody of the department to the child's foster parent, if the foster parent has served as the physical placement for the child for a period of nine or more consecutive months; requires the department to provide the required copy within seven days of the filing or being served with the petition. - Amends TCA Section 36-1-113 and Section 37-2-415.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ferrell Haile

Tennessee requires child services to notify foster parents of parental rights termination petitions within seven days if they've cared for the child nine-plus months consecutively.

Pub. Ch. 802
#fostercare
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2165

Legislative bill overview

SB 2165 requires Tennessee's Department of Children's Services to notify foster parents about petitions to terminate parental rights for children in their care if they have provided physical placement for at least nine consecutive months. The department must provide this notification within seven days of filing or being served with the termination petition.

Why is this important

Foster parents who have cared for a child long-term may have a legitimate interest in adoption or custody proceedings that affect children they're raising. This transparency requirement could facilitate foster parents' ability to participate in legal proceedings, potentially influence outcomes regarding child placement, and reflect the practical reality that long-term caregivers often have established relationships and knowledge relevant to the child's welfare.

Potential points of contention

  • Parental rights prioritization: Critics may argue the bill implicitly favors foster parent interests over biological parents' rights to privacy and fair proceedings, particularly if notification influences judges' decisions
  • Timeline feasibility: Seven days may be insufficient for the department to locate foster parents, prepare documentation, and ensure proper service, potentially creating compliance burdens
  • Scope ambiguity: The nine-month threshold is arbitrary and doesn't address whether notification alone is sufficient or if it implies foster parents gain standing to challenge termination petitions

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

Sign in to ask a question.