Introduction

Welcome to the TFACA Legislative Advocacy Center!

At TFACA, we believe the voices of foster parents must be heard to shape policies that support the children and families in our foster care system. This page is designed to inform, empower, and connect foster families and supporters to the legislative process in Tennessee.

Key Policies Impacting Foster Parents & Youth in Care

Below is a summary of policies and legislation that currently impact foster parents and children in foster care across Tennessee:

Foster Parent Bill of Rights (TCA § 37-2-415)

  • Protects the rights of foster parents, including the right to be treated with dignity, receive adequate training, and participate in case planning.

  • TFACA helps ensure these rights are upheld and respected.

Education Stability and TN Promise

  • Foster youth who graduate high school in Tennessee are eligible for the TN Promise, which covers community college tuition.

  • Advocacy continues to ensure these youth have the support needed to access and benefit from this program.

Extension of Foster Care Services to Age 21 (TCA § 37-2-417)

  • Eligible young adults may remain in care past 18 to receive housing, education, and support services.

  • TFACA advocates for expanded services and smoother transitions.

Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard

  • Allows foster parents to make everyday decisions about activities and discipline to support normalcy for youth in care.

Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)

  • Ensures timely permanency planning and helps guide decisions related to reunification, guardianship, or adoption.

Stay tuned! This section will be updated regularly with new bills, legislative alerts, and updates from the Tennessee General Assembly.


Contact Your Legislators

Make your voice heard!

Use the tools below to contact your elected officials and share your thoughts on legislation that affects foster families.

Step 1: Find Your Legislator

Use the Find My Legislator Tool (https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/Apps/fmlv3/fml.aspx)  to locate your Tennessee House and Senate representatives.  MAKE THE "FIND MY LEGISLATOR " THE LINK

Step 2: Send a Message

We’ve made it easy to email your legislators:

  • Click the button below to open a pre-filled message.

  • Personalize it with your story or concerns.

  • Hit “Send” and help shape the future of foster care in Tennessee.


Current Advocacy Opportunities

Want to get involved? Here’s how:

  • Attend a virtual or in-person TFACA Legislative Listening Session

  • Volunteer to share your story during Foster Care Awareness Month

  • Sign up for Legislative Advocacy Alerts and updates from TFACA



Advocacy Resources

  • TFACA Advocacy Toolkit (PDF)

  • How a Bill Becomes Law in Tennessee

  • Foster Parent Bill of Rights Summary (PDF)

Together, we can create a stronger, more supportive system for foster families in Tennessee. Your voice matters.