July 1, 2011
Spurred by a child welfare reform campaign initially filed in 2000 by Children’s Rights, the state of Tennessee has employed a number of strategies over the years to dramatically reduce its reliance on institutions — and now placesthe vast majority of youth in foster care with relatives and foster families. This report not only explores the ways this change in practice has positively affected youth in the state’s care, but also how other jurisdictions can emulate Tennessee’s success.