Tennessee Department Of Children’s Services Nears Exit From Federal Court Oversight

The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) is preparing to exit court oversight in the Brian A v. Haslam class-action lawsuit, filed in 2000 by Children’s Rights on behalf of children in foster care. When the lawsuit was filed, DCS caseworkers had high caseloads, and children were often placed in congregate care, such as orphanage-like settings and emergency shelters. The plaintiffs said the state violated children’s constitutional rights, and subjected children to physical and emotional harm and ongoing risks of such harm. A hearing to consider the status of continued federal oversight over this reform . . .