Bill > SB1868

This bill modifies Tennessee law regarding children in the custody of the Department of Children's Services (DCS) by allowing courts to extend a child's custody for up to an additional six months beyond the initial six-month limit if the child needs services only available while in custody, those services are evidence-based and provided by a qualified professional, or if the child assaults a staff member at their residential placement, even without a formal assault charge. The bill also mandates that courts inform children that assaulting staff can lead to extended custody. Furthermore, it establishes a juvenile commitment review task force, composed of representatives from various state departments and legal organizations, to examine system issues and service gaps for children with complex needs, such as those with pending delinquency allegations, incompetence, or violent behaviors, and to make recommendations for improvement by February 1, 2027.