NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A new grant program that is meant to lower the cost of private adoptions and help recruit more foster families in Tennessee was announced by Governor Bill Lee and the state's Department of Children's Services. This comes in recognition of November being National Adoption Month.
Starting on Jan. 1, DCS will start up the Home Study Reimbursement Grant Program. Home studies are done to help determine if a family is suitable to adopt or foster a child.
This new initiative will reimburse families up to $1,000 for the cost of a home study who are going through private adoptions. The state already covers home studies for foster families.
To be eligible for the grant, you must have completed a home study by a licensed child placement agency on or after July 1, 2024. Those eligible will need to fill out an online application and provide proof of payment for the completed study.
"Every child deserves to have a safe, loving home, and we continue to make this a top priority across Tennessee," said Gov. Lee. "As DCS and community partners continue working together to support Tennessee children in need, this new grant program will ease a financial burden on adoptive families while engaging additional prospective foster families."
"Adoption is a beautiful gift that is encouraged in all forms. At the same time, Tennessee has a great need for more foster families," DCS Commissioner Margie Quin Said. "This program not only helps adoptive parents but gives them an opportunity to care for some of our most vulnerable children awaiting placement."
DCS said there are currently more than 8,000 children in their care and only around 5,000 approved foster homes across the state.