Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth

It's a TCCY Tuesday for data! In FY2024, 1,073 youth were placed in a Juvenile Detention Center for more than 30 days, a 23% increase from 870 youth in FY2023. Learn more in the 2025 State of the Child in Tennessee Report; tn.gov/content/tn/tcc…

TCCY team members spent time this week volunteering at @2HarvestMidTN, thank you for hosting us and allowing us to give back and help support our community.

Lawmakers have been working for Tennesseans in the 114th General Assembly for three weeks! TCCY wanted to know what laws and polices legislators hoped to work on this session. Watch this short video to learn more!

In the 2025 State of the Child in Tennessee Report, 1 in 10 Tennessee schools had infrastructure rated in fair or poor condition. Public schools in TN need nearly $80 million in infrastructure improvements to be in compliance with state and federal laws. tn.gov/content/tn/tcc…

TCCY Executive Director Richard Kennedy and Director of Data, Policy and Communications Kylie Graves appeared on @NC5+'s OpenLine to discuss the 2025 State of the Child in Tennessee Report. Click the link to watch the full episode! newschannel5.com/plus/openline/…

CAD 2026 registration is open! CAD 2026 is a powerful opportunity for advocates from across the state to learn, connect, and collaborate on behalf of children, youth and families. Monday Advocacy Training: eventbrite.com/e/the-bridge-f… Tuesday CAD: eventbrite.com/e/tccys-childr…

Inner Leader Academy Registration Extended! This immersive and transformational experience deepens self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and relationship skills that shape how leaders show up at work and in life. Register here! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…

Its a TCCY Tuesday for data! In Tennessee, infant center-based care costs about $14,000 a year, which is more than in-state tuition at all of Tennessee's four-year public universities! Learn more in our State of the Child in Tennessee Report. tn.gov/content/tn/tcc…

On January 13, Tennessee legislators will convene for the 114th General Assembly. As our policy makers get to work, take a few minutes to get to know them a little better!

TCCY has released the 2025 State of the Child in Tennessee Report! This annual report provides comprehensive data on Tennessee children, youth and their families, highlighting successes and opportunities. Find the full report on our website! tn.gov/content/tn/tcc…

The Second Look Commission (SLC) has released its 2025 annual report! The commission's work is grounded in the belief that every child in Tennessee deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and in a nurturing environment. The report is available now! tn.gov/tccy/programs0…

Happy Holidays from TCCY! We are grateful for the advocates, partners, and supporters who stand with us in advancing the well-being of Tennessee’s children and families. In the new year we’re excited to continue working together to build brighter futures across our state!

Its a TCCY Tuesday for data! The 2025 YTAC Report recommends Tennessee should consider increasing funding for existing Youth Resource Centers to expand their capacity to better serve youth in foster care across the state, including rural communities. tn.gov/content/tn/tcc…

TCCY would like to thank @SenBoWatson and @jadamlowe, who joined our Southeast Council on Children & Youth event this week! Attendees learned about TCCY's most recent reports, and how state government functions!

The 2025 YTAC Report recommends Tennessee should consider policy changes and additional resources to mitigate the cost burden of attending a 4-year post secondary program for youth in foster care or exiting foster care after their 16th birthday. tn.gov/content/tn/tcc…

Currently, federal regulations restrict youth aging out of foster care to either opt into or remain in the Bright Futures Program or receive FYI Vouchers, but not both. The TN General Assembly should consider a Joint Senate and House Resolution requesting a policy reevaluation.

The 2025 YTAC Report recommends TN should consider developing emergency housing options for foster youth who are transitioning into adulthood. Without support, 31% of transitioning youth experienced homelessness. Integrating emergency housing with wraparound services is vital.

Several members of the TCCY team recently participated in United Way of West Tennessee's ALICE Summit. The summit brings together industry, government and non-profit leaders to explore innovative solutions that assist Tennessee families who are struggling to afford basic needs.

It's a TCCY Tuesday for data! The 2025 Youth Transitions Advisory Council recommends that, "Tennessee should consider contracting with an established mentorship agency to create programs that increase positive adult connections for foster youth transitioning into adulthood."

Save the date! Children's Advocacy Days 2026 theme, "Building Bridges to Success: Moving Forward for Tennessee's Children and Youth," invites us to explore how shared purpose, and collective effort can turn strong messages into meaningful change. Registration will open in 2026!