The WWU

Memphis/West Walk Me Home Event

2011-08-22T09:06:00.000-05:00

The Memphis/West WALK ME HOME event was held on Saturday August 20, 2011. The event raised approximately $5,000 for Foster & Adoptive children/youth. The event was sponsored by Nike of West TN, Cathedral of Faith and several other Memphis Organizations. Although the day was hot the walk was a tremendous success. Thank you to all those who volunteered and assisted in making the walk the success it was.

Click here for the slide show

O’Day likes Juvenile Court model

2011-08-19T11:23:00.000-05:00

Tennessee Department of Children Services Commissioner Kate O’Day toured Bradley County Juvenile Court on Tuesday.

Many partner leaders from Camelot Care Centers, Bradley County Schools and Valley Hospital attended to explain the role they play in the Behavioral Unit.

“Our vision for the state is that these kinds of solutions need to be located in communities. The state can’t do everything. Even the Juvenile Court can’t do everything. It’s the community coming together,” O’Day said. “This is a wonderful example of putting those ideals into practice.”

The commissioner hopes to use the Bradley County Juvenile Court as a model to show the direction she wants the DCS department to go. O’Day said she wanted those at DCS to have a sense of being a part of something bigger and connecting with the community.

AP: More on the outage

2011-08-04T15:56:00.002-05:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A spokeswoman for the Nashville Electric Service says power outages to about 20 downtown buildings - including the state Capitol - are the result of a work crew accidentally cutting underground cables.

Story continues here:
http://goo.gl/olJ7I

Downtown Nashville power outage affects DCS

2011-08-04T14:55:00.001-05:00

From General Services:

The Department of General Services has confirmed that the NES power outage affecting downtown buildings will not be repaired until after close of business Thursday. The Commissioner of Human Resources has declared the following buildings to be uninhabitable as of 1:45 pm. today. The state uninhabitable building policy will be in effect and employees may be dismissed under appropriate administrative leave codes.

Andrew Jackson

Rachel Jackson

Tennessee Tower

Legislative Plaza

War Memorial

Supreme Court

Library and Archives

We currently anticipate these buildings will be open on Friday, August 5.

Sincerely,

Department of General Services.

What that means for the DCS employees and visitors in the Andrew Jackson building.

Check with your supervisor about what to do regarding your duties in the meantime.
Check back here at the WWU for updates.
Remember: You can subscribe to the department's Twitter feed or Facebook page to get your updates.

The handy links for those are at the right side of the WWU.

Stay cool,

The WWU Staff

Guidance for Grandparents in Murfreesboro

2011-08-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

The Daily News Journal had this brief item about a class for grandparents raising grandchildren.

Click here for more information about the August 14 session: http://goo.gl/PRiqd

Crib safety guidelines impact foster parents

2011-07-18T13:06:00.000-05:00

Recently a new drop down crib ban was brought to light.

If you are a resource or kinship parent please check your present baby furniture for the banned items.

If you do have a crib that can no longer be used please contact the manufacturer for a repair kit.

If you google: Drop Down Crib Repair Kits it will link you to several manufacturers sites, many of the repair kits are free or at minimal cost.

Please do not attempt to fix the drop down problem with homemade devices, use the kit provided by the company or dispose of the unsafe crib.

Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission page here.

AP: US, Russia agree on rules for safer adoptions

2011-07-14T08:19:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Russia ended an ugly dispute over the abuse of adopted Russian children on Wednesday, with Washington signing an agreement that will increase oversight of adopting families to curtail possible maltreatment.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov signed the accord in a ceremony in Washington.

Continue here on CBS News.

Dawson Elevated To Deputy Commissioner for Juvenile Justice

2011-07-13T10:41:00.000-05:00

Albert G. Dawson Sr. is the Department of Children’s Services new Deputy Commissioner for Juvenile Justice. With more than 36 years of experience in this field, Dawson will be heading the department’s wide array of services for juvenile justice youth.

Most recently, he worked as the interim executive director for the Juvenile Justice division, which put him in charge of the five DCS youth development centers across the state.

He has also served as superintendent of the Woodland Hills Youth Development Center, a 144-bed facility in Nashville. During his tenure there, the facility was accredited with a 99.5 rating from the American Correction Association. After its next auditing visit from ACA, Woodland Hills scored a 100 percent rating.

Prior to his assignment at Woodland Hills, he was the director of the department’s Community and Residential Programs.

Planting the Seeds of Change

2011-07-07T15:03:00.000-05:00

When Shayna Smith, DCS Food Service Director, and Barbara Lonardi, Superintendent of New Visions Youth Development Center, first began discussing the possibility of a garden, they both thought it was a pipe dream. The facility has only one small courtyard of grass and that is where the students recreate. Then, thanks to Shayna, along comes Jason Patterson from Community Food Advocates with a vision that gardens can be virtually anywhere. The dream became a reality. Instead of using the grass in the courtyard, Jason suggested using raised bed gardens along the sidewalk. This is where Cyndi Chester, the science teacher at New Visions, comes into play. She was able to provide the wood and compost for the gardens; make the beds and secure the plants thanks to a generous donation from Benny Batts, manager at Robertson-Cheatham Farmers Co-op in Ashland City, TN.

Within weeks, the team all worked together to get the gardens built and planted. The garden is up and growing thanks to Mrs. Chester and her students that care for it. In order to further get the girls interested in the garden, Jason Patterson brought in Chef Batts to make homemade pizzas with the girls using only fresh vegetables from the local farmer’s market. The girls ended up being covered in flour and they were surprised how great a natural vegetable pizza could taste. The students are clamoring for more cooking lessons!

Ms. Lonardi says, “I am thrilled with the joint effort between the Community Food Advocates representative; Jason Patterson, our Science teacher; Cyndi Chester and the students of New Visions. This is our first sustainable garden/raised bed attempt and it is a wonderful success. The plants are growing, the students are excited, and the learning opportunities are many. We all look forward to eating our first fresh tomato!”

Knoxville Walk Me Home Event

2011-07-01T14:28:00.000-05:00

WWU just received this note from Nicole Coning~

"We have received the final total on amount raised for WMH Knoxville. I am very pleased to tell you that the total is....$16,700.00!!! How exciting is that? We not only met our goal of $15,000, but exceeded it! Thanks again for your effort, hard work, and commitment to making the 1st WMH event in the Knoxville area so successful. You all are the BEST!"

Click here for the Slideshow!

Cordell Hull re-opens for business Monday

2011-06-12T13:38:00.000-05:00

We just received this message:

Good afternoon all - the Department of General Services has confirmed that temporary measures have been completed, and the Cordell Hull building is up and running this afternoon with power and cooling on all floors. The building is habitable, and employees may return to work on Monday. Although some media have been reporting all weekend that we would open the building Monday, we will confirm with them, as well.
DGS and the contractor will continue work this week, and anticipate being able to switch to the permanent fix next weekend.

Friday afternoon update on the Cordell Hull

2011-06-10T16:02:00.000-05:00

The electrical repair work remains on schedule.

Right now, the expectation is that the building will open for business Monday morning, but because there is still a lot of work to be done, the General Services staff wants to wait until early Sunday afternoon to make that decision.

We will let you know as soon as we hear.

Thanks, everyone. Enjoy the weekend.

WATE: Governor Haslam and Commissioner O'Day on new meth law

2011-06-10T11:17:00.000-05:00

Correction: Friday Morning Update.

2011-06-10T11:06:00.001-05:00

We said Monday perviously. We meant "Friday" morning update.

Sorry.

Work crews are pulling new wire and will be working throughout the weekend. Later Fridaywe'll have a better idea of how soon we can be back at our normal desks next week.

Friday morning update on The Cordell Hull

2011-06-10T11:02:00.001-05:00

Work crews are expected to be pulling new wire throughout the weekend, and there's a chance everyone could be back at their normal desks early next week.

We will know more around 4 p.m. Friday when the building's administrators circle up for a progress report.

We'll have the latest here at the Weekly Wrap Up.

And on Twitter: @TennDCS

Stay cool,

The entire Weekly Wrap Up team

Cordell Hull closed Friday July 10

2011-06-09T16:53:00.000-05:00

The department's central office in Nashville will be closed Friday because of the ongoing electrical problems.

Department employees should check with their supervisors about where to report to work.

Meantime, DCS administrators are forwarding phones and making accommodations for temporary spaces in existing offices elsewhere in Nashville.

Check back here for updates.

Electrical problems close the Cordell Hull

2011-06-09T14:48:00.000-05:00

Due to the current power outage and lack of air conditioning, the Cordell Hull Building is being closed until repairs can be completed. We are not sure how long this will last. Updated information on the status of building repairs will be posted on the web (see below), so that you will be aware when you can report back to work.

Employees who are considered mission critical will be notified by their supervisor of the need to report to work and the alternate work location in accordance with your division's Emergency Response Plan. If you have questions about whether or not your job function is mission critical, please talk directly with your supervisor.

We will continue to update you as more information become available.

How to stay in the loop:

Check with your supervisor
Visit the newsroom section of the department's main web page (http://tn.gov/youth).
Check back here at The Weekly Wrap Up (http://dcsweeklywrapup.blogspot.com/).
Subscribe to the department's @TennDCS Twitter feed .
Check the DCS Facebook page

Employee Sick Leave Bank

2011-06-02T08:22:00.000-05:00

If you are a member of the Employee's Sick Leave Bank who is retiring this year before October 1 or a current member wishing to terminate membership with the Sick Leave Bank, please pay close attention to this message.

In accordance with Sick Leave Bank (SLB) Guideline VI.1.d., current SLB members that wish to withdraw from membership in the SLB must provide a notarized letter requesting cancellation of membership directly to the Department of Human Resources. This request must be received or postmarked no later than June 30, 2011. Termination of membership is effective June 30, 2011.

Please include your Edison Employee ID Number on the notarized letter and submit it to:

Department of Human Resources
Employee Sick Leave Bank
First Floor, James K. Polk Building
505 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243-0635

The SLB Guidelines are on the Department of Human Resources web site at http://tn.gov/dohr/employees/sickleave/sickleave.html or you may contact Abby Stroud at 615-532-5541 if you have questions.

Hear the Music Live Celebrity Golf Scramble CMA FEST Week in Nashville, TN June 7, 2011

2011-05-23T16:21:00.000-05:00

National non-profit, Hear the Music Live will be holding a fundraiser to support live music experiences for foster youth nationwide at Opryland USA, Gaylord Spring Links in Nashville, TN on June 7, 2011. Show your support by playing in the Hear the Music Live Celebrity Golf Scramble and join your favorite celebrities afterwards for a special Gold Record Luncheon and Acoustic Jam in the pavilion. Surprise collaborations are expected!

Click here to learn more.

Lynn Pollard on obesity and well-being

2011-05-23T10:37:00.000-05:00

In today's City Paper, Anne Marshall writes about threats to children who are severely overweight.

All in a Day's Work at DCS. Glad all are OK.

2011-05-16T11:24:00.000-05:00

DCS Shares the Load on Disaster Relief

2011-05-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

For the past week, teams of Children’s Service staff members have been reaching out across East and West Tennessee, assisting those who have been affected by the spring storms and floods.

“Our people have really been hitting it hard,” said Colette Crawley-Martin, who coordinates DCS disaster response with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

Children’s Services staff members routinely pitch in when disaster strikes in Tennessee.

The DCS group specializes in community relations. They visit hard-hit areas, including neighborhoods and shelters, and make sure that storm and flood victims know the vast array of services that are available. “How to apply for disaster relief. How to get emergency food stamps. How to get mental health counseling. You name it. We can help them find it,” said Crawley-Martin.

They perform their community relations duties alongside FEMA representatives, and that work is coordinated by TEMA officials.

Currently, DCS workers are serving Tennesseans in upper and lower East Tennessee, where tornadoes recently touched down. In West Tennessee, they are working with those affected by high waters near the swollen Mississippi River and its tributaries. Right now, about 16 DCS staffers are on disaster duty, along with thousands of other local, state and federal employees, plus scores of relief groups.

“We’re in three parts of the state,” said Crawley-Martin, “and they really deserve some credit for pitching in.”

DCS Commissioner Kate O'Day on WATE-TV

2011-05-13T11:56:00.000-05:00

Don't Forget: It's Time to Lace Up for Walk Me Home!

2011-05-12T14:31:00.000-05:00

Walk Me Home Event-Nashville

Dear DCS staff/ Administration and support staff:

The Fourth Annual WALK ME HOME event will held this year on May 14, 2011 from 8 am- 12 noon at Bi-Centennial Mall in downtown Nashville. This is a great family event; there will be local entertainment, kid activities, 3.1 mile walk, refreshments and much more.

We are encouraging you to form a team to support this wonderful Event.

You may know a Corporation, church, agency or other entity that would be willing to become a WALK ME HOME sponsor. If so please contact Odessa Krech at Central office 615-253-6906 or at email Odessa.krech@tn.gov , Anything you can do to get the word out about the Middle TN/Nashville WALK is greatly appreciated.

Please join us on May 14, 2011 with your team to WALK ME HOME.

Thank you for your dedication to our children and families.

Walk Me Home Nashville Information

Walk Me Home Nashville Registration Brochure

On Point: Pill Mills

2011-05-12T14:12:00.000-05:00

"The drug abuse pipeline grabbing headlines this spring is not out of Afghanistan or Mexico, but out of pain clinics and doctors’ offices in sunny Florida.

Prescription drug abuse is sky-rocketing in the United States as accidental overdose deaths now exceed crack deaths in the 1980s. Pharmaceutical pain killers are now churned out of “pill mills”.

The hottest pipeline brings drugs from Florida into poor counties of West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee. Oxycodone and its cousins are wreaking havoc.

Today, On Point: the pipeline and price of a pain killer epidemic.

– Tom Ashbrook

Video from our Irish friends

2011-05-12T14:08:00.000-05:00

HT: A. Sullivan at Daily Dish

May Foster Parent Phone In

2011-05-03T15:41:00.000-05:00

Please remember that Foster Care PHONE IN will begin on Wednesday May 4 and will go through Thursday May 5, 2011. It is imperative that ALL RESOURCE PARENTS PHONE IN!!!

Foster Care Payments are dependent upon the PHONE IN system. Payment Push will not continue indefinitely. We must get to the point of having a successful PHONE IN for all resource parents.

Please contact all resource parents and notify them that Foster Care PHONE IN is required and must be completed on 5/4 and 5/5.

FIRST THING!!!!!

Are there any payments for this pay period for this resource home parent and children? If there are NO payments, then the resource parent will NOT be able to get very far into the phone-in process before it kicks them out.

If NO PAYMENTS exist then contact your Regional Fiscal Director for help. Plan on the Resource Parent NOT being able to use the phone-in system for this pay run. If the payments even gets generated at this point, it is TOO LATE to use the Phone-in System.

Directions for PHONE IN System

Call 1-877-318-5064 for outside Nashville, call 256-9718 for the Nashville area only.
Enter your (resource parent/vendor) Social Security Number followed by the # key.
Enter your PIN number followed by the # key.
Enter your child’s TFACTS ID number followed by the # key.
Enter your child’s Social Security number followed by the # key.
Enter the begin payment dates you are confirming payment for in the month/date/year two-digit format. For example: January 1, 2011 would be entered as 01 01 11 always follow numbers with the # key.
Enter the Ending Payment Dates in the same format as above.
Follow all voice directions on PHONE IN SYSTEM.

NOTE: After each number entered the system will prompt you to press 1 if Correct.

Thank You!

Odessa

Odessa.Krech@tn.gov

Presidential Proclamation--National Foster Care Month

2011-05-03T11:39:00.000-05:00

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

April 29, 2011

      Progress in America can be measured by the opportunities we pass on to our children. For nearly half a million youth in foster care across our country, the best path to success we can give them is the chance to experience a loving home where they can feel secure and thrive. During National Foster Care Month, we renew our commitment to ensuring a brighter future for foster youth, and we celebrate the selfless individuals who make a meaningful difference in their lives.

      Young people in foster care are in the system through no fault of their own, and each of our Nation’s children deserves a stable home and a devoted family. Strong support structures provide children with the environment needed to learn, grow, and reach their greatest potential. Permanence is critical to the future success of foster youth and must be a key component of foster care initiatives.

      My Administration is committed to achieving security for every child and supporting adolescents in foster care as they transition to adulthood. The Permanency Innovations Initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Health and Human Services, is providing support to public-private partnerships focused on decreasing the number of children in long-term foster care. Over the next 5 years, this program will invest $100 million in new intervention strategies to help foster youth move into permanent homes, test new approaches to reducing time spent in foster care placements, and remove the most serious barriers to finding lasting, loving environments. Over 110,000 children in foster care today are waiting to be adopted. Across America, there are families who need these children as much as these children need families. I encourage those interested in adopting a child in need of a home to explore the life-changing resources available at www.AdoptUSKids.org.

      We are also investing in the health and well-being of our young people in foster care. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we have significantly increased funding for the Title IV-E adoption and foster care assistance program to provide safe and stable out-of-home care for children. As a result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act I signed into law last year, all children enrolled in foster care automatically qualify for free meals in all Department of Agriculture child nutrition programs. Additionally, beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will require States to extend Medicaid coverage up to age 26 for all youth who have aged out of the foster care system.

      As a Nation, we all have a responsibility to remain persistent in the charge to provide the best care possible for children when they cannot remain in their own homes. During National Foster Care Month, we recognize the efforts of foster families, social workers, faith-based and community organizations, and others that are improving the lives of young people in foster care across our country, and I encourage all Americans to partake in efforts to serve these children in the year ahead.

      NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2011 as National Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by taking an active role in activities across our country that recognize not only these cherished children and youth, but also the commitment of so many that touch their lives at a most challenging time.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

      BARACK OBAMA

Click here to view The White House web page.

Tennessean: Teens on Finding a Home

2011-04-30T07:10:00.000-05:00

The Tennessean takes a look at some older kids who find a family for life:

“The way I felt, I just wanted to get away from everything and have a parent that I could call mom,” the 17-year-old said.

Taft Table Tennis Team Rolls On

2011-04-20T11:13:00.000-05:00

The Weekly Wrap Up just got this dispatch from Bill Neely about Taft's continuing success with its table tennis program:

STONE MEMORIAL'S FIRST INTERSCHOLASTIC TABLE TENNIS COMPETITION

Taft won both the singles and doubles by a wide margin, 31-6 for the singles and 9-0 for doubles, respectively. Several games could have gone either way, but experience appeared to win out even in these close games. This experience factor advantage is borne out by the fact that Taft won all 14 of the matches which went extra games. Similarly, of the 2-doubles matches with extra games, Taft won both of them.

Had Stone won half of the extra-game matches, the event scores would have been 24-12 and 8-1 for the doubles, respectively. It is a stretch, but had Stone won all of the extra-game matches, they would have won the singles event 19-17. Obviously experience played a major part in this competition.

There are currently 4-schools enrolled in the Program league. Each school, Rhea County, Taft, Stone, and CCHS comprise the League. Each school is to play each other (6-events) to complete League play. Among these 4-high schools, 2 of the 6-planned League competitions have now taken place, and others are in the planning stage. Rhea County is currently 1 and 0, Stone is 0 and 1, while Taft is 1 and 1 in matches played.

After all 6-League competitions are complete, a League tournament, including all four teams, will determine the overall East Tennessee champion. Special awards will be presented to winning teams and certain categories of demonstrated individual excellence.

A competition between CCHS and Stone is scheduled for May 7 which will determine the Cumberland County championship and will, of course, impact the draw for the end-of-the-year 4-school tournament.

It is unfortunate that two very important people were not available for this event: Mr. Joseph Newgarden, owner of Newgy Industries, Inc. and provider of all of the table tennis equipment and Mr. Michael Plummer, provider of the beautiful school shirts, had other commitments.

Figures 2 and 3 show the two teams and their respective coaches Bob Barnett for Taft and Nathan Brown for Stone.. Both have done excellent jobs for preparing their teams given the short notice for the competition. Taft won both the singles and doubles by a wide margin, 31-6 for the singles and 9-0 for doubles, respectively. Several games could have gone either way, but experience appeared to win out even in these close games. This experience factor advantage is borne out by the fact that Taft won all 14 of the matches which went extra games. Similarly, of the 2-doubles matches with extra games, Taft won both of them.

A competition between CCHS and Stone is scheduled for May 7 which will determine the Cumberland County championship and will, of course, impact the draw for the end-of-the-year 4-school tournament.

The coaches -- Taft's Bob Barnett and Stone's Nathan Brown -- have done excellent jobs in preparing their teams given the short notice for the competition.

AP: Latest on Brian A. improvements

2011-04-13T12:22:00.000-05:00

The Associated Press on the latest developments with DCS and Brian A. case -- and quoting Bonnie Hommrich on the last few hurdles: http://goo.gl/34mb0

Start Walking Home Here

2011-04-11T13:08:00.001-05:00

The Walk Me Home link is now live, for those of you who are ready to walk -- or just thinking about it:
http://www.firstgiving.com/walkmehome/event/nashville

Take a look! Sign up for the event!

Nifty New Tool from our Pals at TDOT

2011-04-07T16:08:00.000-05:00

"For those of you who have employees who travel, especially in urban areas where TDOT has our TDOT SmartWay system(cameras), you might consider sharing this link with them to assist in their travel.

"TDOT SmarWay Mobile is for smartphone users (Droid, iPhone, etc). Because it is a mobile website, there is no download, just bookmark it.

"This link takes you to the webpage and features a tutorial for using TDOT SmartWay mobile:

http://www.tdot.state.tn.us//tdotsmartway/mobile.htm

Wear BLUE Friday, April 1st for Child Abuse Prevention

2011-03-31T13:25:00.000-05:00

First Lady Crissy Haslam will be launching the Pinwheels for Prevention honoring Child Abuse Prevention Month by planting a pinwheel garden at the Tennessee State Capitol.

Mrs. Haslam will be showing her support for Child Abuse Prevention Month and children across the state and we would love to have each of you participate.

The event will be held at the Tennessee State Capitol East Gardens April 5 2011 at 10:30 am.

In the unlikely event of rain we will be inside the capitol.

We hope to see you all there!

Please be sure to check out the calendar of activities on our webpage to see other Child Abuse Prevention month events happening across the state.

Walk Me Home Event-Nashville

2011-03-24T15:32:00.001-05:00

Dear DCS staff/ Administration and support staff:

The Fourth Annual WALK ME HOME event will held this year on May 14, 2011 from 8 am- 12 noon at Bi-Centennial Mall in downtown Nashville. This is a great family event; there will be local entertainment, kid activities, 3.1 mile walk, refreshments and much more.

We are encouraging you to form a team to support this wonderful Event.

You may know a Corporation, church, agency or other entity that would be willing to become a WALK ME HOME sponsor. If so please contact Odessa Krech at Central office 615-253-6906 or at email Odessa.krech@tn.gov , Anything you can do to get the word out about the Middle TN/Nashville WALK is greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in becoming more involved in the planning phase of the WALK please contact Odessa ASAP so you can receive meeting notifications.

Please join us on May 14, 2011 with your team to WALK ME HOME.

Thank you for your dedication to our children and families.

Walk Me Home Nashville Information

Walk Me Home Nashville Registration Brochure

Walk Me Home Nashville Sponsorship Letter

Debbie Miller to lead department's Interdependent Living program.

2011-03-24T14:52:00.000-05:00

Effective April 1, Debbie Miller be heading the department's Interdependent Living program.

The program serves the older children in state custody, those who need to develop skills for a successful transition to adulthood. Ms Miller will be responsible for implementing the Chafee program, as well as Fostering Connections and supporting youth through post-secondary education and/or trade schools. A significant section of the Brian A. Settlement includes the Interdependent Living program. Strengthening and improving the IL program is critical to the department's ability to exiting the lawsuit.

In addition, Ms. Miller will be responsible for working on other special projects related to Education or Health as assigned by the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Protection and Permanency.

Ms. Miller has more than 30 years management experience in areas of public policy, child welfare, juvenile and criminal justice and grant administration. She has extensive background in public policy issues which affect families and children with a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, family-centered services and consumer input.

Ms. Miller has proven leadership in guiding agencies and programs through transition. She is currently employed at Vanderbilt University as Director of Child and Family Policy Center. Previous employment includes Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, State of Tennessee Board of Paroles, Institute for Children’s Resources and Madison County Group Home.

Ms. Miller has a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching and postgraduate work in Administration and Supervision from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Mississippi.

Community involvement includes Chair of the Davidson County Foster Care Review Boards 8 and 12; Board of Directors, Bethlehem Centers of Nashville; Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; Board of Directors, Exchange Club Family Centers, and past involvement with the Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare, Adventure Science Center and Girl Scout Troop 76.

A Note About the Governor's Budget Proposal

2011-03-14T19:04:00.000-05:00

Tonight in his State of the State address, Governor Haslam called on Tennessee government to transform the way it does business. We are not alone; in these economic times, this charge is being made to governments everywhere and at every level.

Governor Haslam has stressed that we must do everything we can to continue to deliver services to Tennessee’s citizens while improving efficiency. To succeed, we will have to keep the outcomes that we we seek for our clients first and foremost in our priorities. At the same time, we have to find ways to save on costs.

The budget proposal calls for closing the seven Juvenile Justice group homes. If implemented today, this would mean that 74 people would lose their positions at DCS. An additional 5 filled positions are to be reduced in Administration. The actual numbers of staff displaced will likely be much lower by the time this plan would be implemented.

The first priority is to ensure that there is no reduction in the services that bring good outcomes to our kids. This proposal accomplishes just that.

The group homes currently provide services that are also delivered by our network of private providers. The services are parallel and duplicate one another. Under this plan, the youth will continue to get the services that they require, while we conserve resources for other uses.

Finding this way to reduce costs has some significant advantages for our ability to serve our clients. This budget proposal would allow us to maintain more staff positions in the Youth Development Centers, as well as the Juvenile Justice Coordinators in the Regions. It preserves valued grants to courts and communities for another year, as well as community-based services for juvenile justice youth and their families. It also ensures that we have the resources we need to stay on track with the progress we have made towards a successful exit from Brian A.

We know that this is difficult news for many of you to hear. We are committed to doing all that we can to help people find other positions for which they are qualified in state government or elsewhere. We will keep you posted on the latest developments as the budget begins to move through the legislature.

The work does not end with tonight’s budget proposal. I ask you to join me in thinking of new ways of meeting the outcomes of our mission, while ensuring maximum efficiency in our use of resources. Thanks to everyone, for all of the hard work you do on behalf of Tennessee’s children and families.

Commissioner Kate O'Day

Doug Dimond Coming to DCS as General Counsel

2011-03-10T10:14:00.000-06:00

Effective April 10, Doug Dimond will become the new general counsel for the Department of Children's Services.

DCS is place that is already very familiar to him: As a senior counsel in the state Attorney General's office, he has represented DCS in state and federal courts.

Dimond began his professional life in 1980 as a small businessman operating a gourmet foods business in New England. He graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University in 1992 and earned his law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1996.

Upon graduation from law school, he joined the Tennessee Attorney General's Office, where he currently serves as Senior Counsel. In 2005, he received the Office’s highest recognition, the William M. Leech, Jr. Award.

As lead counsel in Brian A., a federal civil rights class action brought on behalf of Tennessee's foster children, he was instrumental in negotiating the original settlement and representing the department in subsequent efforts aimed at improving services to thousands of foster children statewide.

He has also handled scores of appeals in the Tennessee Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.

LeAnne Stribley Takes a Top Post at DCS

2011-03-07T14:52:00.000-06:00

LeAnne Stribley is the department's new Deputy Commissioner for Administration and Training.

LeAnne has over 20 years of executive experience with both public and private corporations and has been responsible for $10 Million to $10 Billion in revenues. These companies have included high growth and established companies, start-up ventures, distressed and Chapter 11 companies and diverse product and service industries.

She has comprehensive and in-depth experience across accounting, finance, treasury, IS, procurement, facilities and security functions. She has very strong experience in leading and implementing operations planning, capital rationing, service level agreements, performance management, balanced scorecard and pay-for-performance systems.

While at Tennessee Valley Authority she held the position of Executive Vice President for Administration, Senior Vice President for Finance and Controller and Vice President for Finance. As Executive Vice President, she had full responsibility for leadership of Information Services, Procurement, Facilities and TVA Police organizations with 2,000 employees and 200 contractors. The annual budget responsibility was over $250 million. As Senior Vice President she assumed the additional role of Controller with responsibility for all accounting and financial reporting, billing and accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and budgeting in addition to financial analysis, long-range financial planning, credit, and risk management.

LeAnne was a member of the TVA Management Committee, Risk Management Committee, Disclosure Control Committee, Executive Learning Council and Strategy Council.

In addition to TVA, she has worked in top management positions for Travel Resources Group, the LTV Corporation, IdleAire, Inc. and Pictures and More.

LeAnne graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Wesleyan University with a BBA in accounting. She has served on the Board of Directors for Leadership Knoxville, Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation, YWC, Child and Family Tennessee, Historic Tennessee Theatre and the United Way. She was recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Women Award in Business and Government.

NYT: Families-First Approach

2011-02-23T09:57:00.000-06:00

"In Tennessee, Youth Villages has been credited with playing a catalytic role, helping the state’s Department of Children’s Services to upgrade the foster care system. Help came in 2000 when Tennessee was sued by a group called Children’s Rights which alleged, among other things, that the state placed far too many children in institutional care. (Many states are today operating under court oversight because their child welfare systems fail to provide safety and permanency for children.) Tennessee settled the lawsuit and from 2000 to 2009, the number of children in out-of-home care in Tennessee dropped from 10,144 to 6,702. It’s vital to note that incidences of “maltreatment recurrence” decreased during that period, which indicated that the changes hadn’t compromised children’s safety. Tennessee also started paying providers based on their successes, not just their services."

Full entry here.

URGENT PHONE IN MESSAGE

2011-02-22T11:58:00.000-06:00

PHONE IN ended today 2/22/11 at 9:20 AM Central and 10:20 AM Eastern.

This was due to a request to unload the data out of Central office. This was a mistake made by the requester and will not occur again.

AS A RESULT: All resource parents who were able to PHONE IN had their data unloaded successfully those who still have not PHONED IN do not have to from this point forward.

FOSTER CARE PAYMENTS WILL OCCUR OUT OF TFACTS DUE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES EXPLAINED ABOVE.
IF A RESOURCE PARENT CALLS THE REGIONAL OFFICE PLEASE INDICATE THAT PAYMENT WILL OCCUR WITHOUT THE PHONE IN.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ALL RESOURCE PARENTS THAT CALL YOUR OFFICES, INCLUDE ALL FSW'S AND OTHER RELEVANT STAFF.
DO NOT HAVE THEM CALL THE HOTLINE... DO NOT HAVE THEM CALL CENTRAL OFFICE
next PHONE IN period will proceed as planned on March 3, 4, 2011

any questions please contact me via email Odessa.Krech@tn.gov

Thank you,

Odessa

New Directions

2011-02-11T15:22:00.001-06:00

Without a doubt, when administrations change, it is a time of uncertainty in state government. I know it can be very stressful. This week, I have asked four members of the executive team to step aside -- Steve Hornsby, Tom Riche, Joe Holzmer and Stacy Miller -- in order for me to begin adjusting the direction of the department. Even in the face of this difficult news, each of them was gracious and professional. And from what they told me, they clearly think very highly of you, their colleagues and friends.

When new members of my team come on board, I will certainly let you know.

Meantime, please remember that whenever there is change, there are also leadership opportunities -- no matter who you are, or in what capacity you serve. We will need each and every member of our team to move this department’s agenda forward.

Our primary job is to be a resource to all of our customers. The children. The families. The citizens. The taxpayers. I want to remind you that not only will we need to be excellent public servants, we will also need to be very efficient and to be able to demonstrate our effectiveness. So please keep thinking about how you want to contribute to that mission.

Best regards,

Kate O'Day

Commissioner

Creating Resiliency for families and children

2011-02-07T16:13:00.000-06:00

The courage to carry on

You are invited to participate in a Satellite Broadcast panel discussion on Resiliency. The discussion will focus on how foster parents and caregivers can mentor and infuse Resiliency for the youth they are caring for and interacting with. Persons with mental health concerns who are able to develop their own Resiliency skills will be able to live interdependently and have more favorable outcomes.

Resiliency may be a new way of thinking for families and children served by DCS, because they are often already struggling with socio economic factors which compound their stress. Esteem, Connectivity and Advocacy are the key components of Resiliency. Resiliency can be created from the intangible and abundant resources of time, attention, and direction. Learn about the concept of Resiliency, and how using the self created tools of Resiliency, lives can be re-directed.

The team we have for this broadcast includes:

Facilitator: Mary Beth Franklyn: The director of Health Advocacy for DCS

Clarence Jordan: A coach and mentor for persons to develop Resiliency. Clarence serves as a member of the senior leadership of Value Options/TennCare

Roger Stewart: The Deputy Director with NAMI.

Samantha Goff: A foster parent who was a foster child and has mentored many foster children, Samantha speaks with passion and experience about Resiliency

Deborah Gatlin: A board certified child psychiatrist who has consulted with children in and at risk of custody at the Vanderbilt COE, and is the medical director at DCS.

John Johnson: Director of DCS Foster Care and Adoptions.

BLOOD DRIVE

2011-02-02T15:00:00.001-06:00

Rock & Roll up your sleeves

According to the American Red Cross, one pint of blood can save up to four lives. Currently, Red Cross blood supply is at a critical 10-year low. They are in dire need for donors. Our goal is to get at least 150 employees to donate blood. It won’t cost employees any money. It will only cost them about 15-20 minutes of their time.

Blood drives are held quarterly. The next blood drive will be on Wednesday, February 16^th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the State of TN Department of Health-5^TH FL.- Cordell Hull Bldg.-Conference Room A and B. Employees may schedule appointments online at http://www.redcrossblood.org/ using Sponsor Code: State Cordell Hull or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Employees may also schedule appointments by using the online e-Donor system. All presenting donors will receive a free Rock & Roll T-shirt.

By working together, we can help Red Cross increase the blood supply that is so desperately needed. Plus, it gives us a chance to make a difference in the lives of others.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in this very serious matter.

Union hosts roundtable-Faith leaders to partner with child welfare workers

2011-01-28T14:52:00.000-06:00

BY TRACIE SIMER
TSIMER@JACKSONSUN.COM
January 26, 2011

Organizers of a roundtable discussion Thursday at Union University hope to unite faith leaders and child welfare workers in the cause to help Tennessee's children.
The Faith-Based Roundtable is a chance for the faith community to learn about different ways it can help the Department of Children's Services, according to a news release from the department.
The event, hosted by Union, begins with a special dinner meeting at 5:30 p.m. The discussion will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Carl Grant Events Center.
Wess Morgan, a pastor and recording artist, is the featured speaker. A Tennessee native, Morgan used drugs and alcohol at a young age. That led to years in jail and treatment centers while being cared for by family and child welfare workers, the release said. Morgan recovered and will share his story.
Mary Ann Poe, professor of social work at Union, said the Department of Children's Services is promoting this event as a way to engage the faith community in the work of caring for children who are vulnerable in the community.
"For many years, the state system and the faith community would run on different tracks in how to take care of children," she said. "There's been an effort in the last couple of years on the department's part to extend their hand to the faith community, saying, 'We need help. Can you partner with us?'"
The roundtable is about how area churches, temples, charities and organizations can be supportive and helpful in the work the state does, Poe said.
"This includes understanding and knowledge in recognizing child abuse in churches; that's one piece," she said. The focus, Poe said, is how to be a part of community advisory boards that are part of DCS.
"This would allow congregations to be sources of information on adopting or fostering children," she said. "They can learn how to be engaged with mentoring programs. This roundtable is designed to be a conversation."
Poe said Union and its social work department is glad to be part of the discussion. The department has worked with DCS in numerous ways, and many Union graduates work with DCS, she said.
The news release said the event is for pastors, youth ministers, deacons and other lay leaders from every faith tradition; local elected officials and other community leaders dedicated to helping children and families; and all child advocates and other citizens concerned about the well-being of West Tennessee's children.
—Tracie Simer, 425-9629

IF YOU GO

Faith-Based Roundtable Conference
6:30 p.m., Thursday
Grant Event Center, Union University
For more information, call 431-4064. There is no cost, but everyone must pre-register. Clergy and members of the Southwest Community Advisory Boards are invited to a special dinner meeting before the Roundtable, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Register at http://wtnroundtable2.eventbrite.com.

IRS Offers Guidance on Expanded Adoption Credit

2011-01-28T13:57:00.000-06:00

Washington, D.C.

(September 29, 2010)

By WebCPA Staff

The Internal Revenue Service has released guidance on the expanded adoption credit that is available for tax year 2010 as a result of the Affordable Care Act, along with a draft version of the form that taxpayers will use to claim it.

The Affordable Care Act raises the maximum adoption credit to $13,170 per child, up from $12,150 in 2009. It also makes the credit refundable, meaning that eligible taxpayers can get it even if they owe no tax for that year. In general, the credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney’s fees and travel expenses. Income limits and other special rules apply.

In addition to filling out Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must include with their 2010 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents, detailed in the guidance issued today. The documentation requirements, designed to ensure that taxpayers properly claim the credit, mean that taxpayers claiming the credit will have to file paper tax returns. Normally, it takes six to eight weeks to get a refund claimed on a complete and accurate paper return where all required documents are attached. The IRS encourages taxpayers to use direct deposit to speed their refund.

Taxpayers claiming the credit will still be able to use IRS Free File to prepare their returns, but the returns must be printed out and sent to the IRS, along with all the required documentation.

Reprise on Open Records

2011-01-28T10:42:00.000-06:00

DCS Open Records Requests: A Primer

Tennessee law enables state residents to have access to government records. And while in most cases, child- and case-specific DCS information must remain confidential under state law, the department is committed to being as open and responsive as it possibly can. In some instances, there are even ways for certain interested parties to gain access to child and family information.

T.C.A. 37-5-107 is the state law that defines what must remain confidential at DCS. Confidential information includes application, certificates, records, reports and all legal documents, petitions, and records identifying a child or family receiving services from the Department of Children’s Services.

Here is a link to the state's office of Open Records Counsel, where you can find more detailed descriptions of how to obtain government information, including proper forms, explanations of reasonable charges and rules for submitting requests.

Those wishing to request access to DCS records must make their initial requests to either the department's Communications Office or its General Counsel's office.

The mailing address for both is The Department of Children's Services; Seventh Floor, Cordell Hull Building; 436 Sixth Avenue North; Nashville, TN 37243-1290.

The Communications Director is Rob Johnson. His e-mail address is rob.johnson@state.tn.us.

Stacy Miller -- stacy.miller@state.tn.us -- is the DCS General Counsel.

First O'Day

2011-01-19T06:17:00.002-06:00

Tuesday morning, I met scores of my new Children’s Services colleagues at our Cordell Hull central offices in Nashville. I shook lots of hands, and I enjoyed getting a chance to meet those who will help me to continue and advance the good work that has taken place at DCS.

For those of you who couldn’t be here in Nashville, I wanted to share with you a bit of what I said.

First, I am very glad to be here working with you as of Saturday. I am humbled and honored to be asked to serve -- particularly by this Administration. I believe we are on the threshold of a new era for Tennessee under Governor Haslam.

I am aware of the enormity of the challenges before us, but as those of you who know me have already seen, I am up for a good challenge. I want to thank all of you for the good work you have already done. There is no question that DCS has moved forward in recent years, and I am sure you are aware that much remains to be done.

We will need to maintain our progress and meet our targets for the safety, permanency and well being of the families we serve.

And we will also need to focus in new ways on:

·        Efficiency
·        Transparency
·        Customer Service

Our No. 1 job is to be a resource to all of our customers. The families. The citizens. The taxpayers.

Without a doubt, this a time of change and uncertainty. I know that can be stressful. But you should also consider that this change also brings leadership opportunities -- no matter who you are, or in what capacity you serve, there are leadership opportunities for you. We will need each and every member of our team to move this agenda forward.

I want to remind you that not only will we need to be excellent, we will also need to be very efficient and able to demonstrate our effectiveness. So please be thinking how you want to contribute to that mission.

I am one of you now. Together, we will be looking for good ideas and great collaborators going forward -- both within our ranks at DCS and in all of the communities we serve.

- Kate O'Day

Jan. 17: Three Kings

2011-01-17T10:49:00.000-06:00

Richard Avedon

(via http://yourmomwantsmyjuicebox.tumblr.com/)

PHONE IN UPDATE

2010-12-16T14:32:00.001-06:00

Please be advised that the PHONE IN system will begin on January 6 and 7, 2011. This is for pay period 12/16/2010-12/31/2010.

Click here for the RH Communication Plan. Please follow the steps that involve your region ie: Regional Facebook Pages, Regional Resource Home newsletters.
Click here for the PHONE IN System directions. The regions must notify all resource parents of the directions and explain them clearly to each resource parent that has a child in their home. This information should be provided to the resource parents during a home visit or sent directly to their home address by the regional RPS staff OR child FSW. Please do this immediately in order for all Resource Parents to receive proper notification.
All new resource parents who have a child placed in their home should have received a PIN number via a letter from Fiscal. If they did not receive this notification they can contact Odessa at 615-253-6906 for their PIN as long as it was generated by the TFACTS system.
Click here to find the January 2011 calendar. These calendars should be sent and shared with all resource parents. The calendar can be found on the DCS webpage.
Remind all resource parents of the new phone numbers. NASHVILLE ONLY number is: 256-9718, this number can not be used for regions outside of Nashville. DO NOT add a prefix such as 800 or 877 to this number as it will not link to the PHONE IN. Outside of Nashville the number is: 1-877-318-5064.

Haslam Names Kathryn O’Day Children’s Services Commissioner

2010-12-16T13:46:00.002-06:00

from BillHaslam.org

O’Day Is Currently President/CEO of Child & Family Tennessee

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor-elect Bill Haslam today announced Kathryn “Kate” O’Day as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.

O’Day has dedicated her entire professional life to children. She began her career as a youth counselor with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. Before becoming President and CEO of Child & Family Tennessee, she was Vice President of Program Development and Evaluation for Children’s Home Society of Florida and Director of Program Services for Covenant House of Florida.

“After the accreditation of the Department of Children’s Services earlier this year, Kate is the person to build on the department’s recent successes,” Haslam said. “We as a state have an important responsibility to these children, and I’m grateful that Kate, who has staked her career on making children’s lives better, would join our team and serve.”

At Child & Family Tennessee, O’Day created a business-like management team and organizational model to ensure fiscal and programmatic accountability, which has helped the organization meet goals.

“I’m honored to be selected and to serve with Gov.-elect Haslam, and I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated staff at Children’s Services,” O’Day said. “The state budget presents some important challenges, and I’m excited to work with our community partners to meet those challenges.Together, we can achieve our mission for the safety and well-being of Tennessee’s children and their families.”

O’Day is a graduate of Leadership Knoxville, a co-chair of the Community Coalition for Domestic Violence in Knoxville, founding Chair of the Juvenile Court Assistance Board in Knox County, a former panel chair for the Foster Care Review Board in Knox County and a member of the Executive Women’s Association.

She has a Master of Social Work degree from Florida International University. O’Day is married to Steve Cuneo and has three grown children.

Jackson Sun: Improved DCS a tribute to Bredesen, Miller, caseworkers

2010-11-12T10:08:00.001-06:00

November 12, 2010

When Gov. Phil Bredesen took office in 2003, the Department of Children's Services was in disarray. Today, the department is one of only seven in the country to be certified by the Council on Accreditation. As Bredesen prepares to leave office in January, he can be proud of how this department has transformed itself and the level of services it offers to some of the state's most vulnerable abused and neglected children.

Continue reading here.

Tennessean: TN Department of Children's Services shows progress, may soon exit court oversight

2010-11-12T10:05:00.000-06:00

By Brian Haas
THE TENNESSEAN

A judge decided in 2001 that Tennessee's children needed protection from the very agency tasked with protecting them. But nine years later, the group that sued for federal monitoring of the state's child welfare system says Tennessee is almost ready to break free of outside oversight.

The New York-based Children's Rights on Wednesday filed a plan in federal court that paves the way for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services to regain full control of its operations and policy without court monitoring. The plan would allow DCS to be free of the class-action lawsuit ruling if it can meet and maintain all plan goals for 12 straight months.

The move marks a dramatic turnaround in an agency that critics said once warehoused and mistreated abused and neglected children.

"When we filed this lawsuit back in 2000, this agency was grossly mismanaged, overburdened and out of control. It was routinely harming the very kids it was supposed to protect," said Ira Lustbader, associate director of Children's Rights. "I think the latest report really illustrates the progress DCS has made with strong leadership, adequate resources and a real commitment to reform for at least the past five to six years."

Gov. Phil Bredesen said in a statement that the plan is a testament to the state's hard work in overhauling a once-broken system.

"We set out to do the hard work it would take to reshape this department, and today DCS is one of the few state child-welfare departments in the nation to become accredited," Bredesen said. "As we begin preparing to exit from the consent decree, we can mark this as one of the significant accomplishments we have made in Tennessee."

Continue here

East Region COA Celebration

2010-11-10T11:10:00.000-06:00

On September 21, 2010, the East Region took part in their COA Celebration at Lenoir City Park in Loudon County. This was an opportunity for staff from all over the region to come together to celebrate achieving accreditation, as well as the region’s many accomplishments over the past year, while enjoying great food, fun, and camaraderie. The theme chosen for this celebration was “tailgating” – after all, it is football time in TN! Supervisors were asked to utilize their tailgate to recognize each of their staff and their accomplishments over the past year since being accredited. A cake decorating contest was also held, and several teams signed up to participate in this event. Finally, staff members were encouraged to wear a shirt with their favorite team (football, basketball, etc.) logo.

It was great to see the large number of staff that turned out, as well as the number of team “tailgates” that were designed and set up for the event. There were team t-shirts and jerseys everywhere, and a couple of the region’s teams had actually designed their own t-shirts showcasing their favorite team….their own DCS team! Commissioner Miller and Ted Martinez were on hand from Central Office to present the region with their COA Accreditation plaque, as well as COA Accreditation window decals to display in each county office. After presenting the region with their plaque and window decals, the Commissioner was presented a UT Vols stadium seat cushion that had been signed by staff in the region. The East Region RA, Julie Rotella, was also presented a trophy in appreciation of the “coaching” and support provided to the region during the pursuit of accreditation.

Following the presentations, Commissioner Miller and Ted judged the cake decorating contest for the region. Who knew that the region had such creative cake decorators!?! There was a “drug bust” cake, which took first place, a cake in the shape of the DCS/Well Being “Lifts them up!” logo complete with the apple, a cake displaying children’s progression from abuse/neglect to permanency, COA “touchdown” cakes, cakes in the shape of footballs and football fields, and a variety of others. The region also awarded first place to the Anderson County teams for best tailgate.

Needless to say, this event was a great way for the East Region staff to celebrate achieving accreditation and recognize those accomplishments made over the past year since being accredited. A very big thank you also goes out to Commissioner Miller and Ted for joining East in this celebration and for serving as judges! It was definitely a fun-filled day for all!

By Charles Baumgardner

A NEW PROGRAM FOR TAFT

2010-11-10T10:47:00.000-06:00

The Olympic sport of table tennis, more affectionately known as ping pong, and formerly played mostly in basements and carports has smoldered and received little attention here in the southeast for years.

It is time for a change. Thanks to Mr. Joseph Newgarden and his Newgy Industries, students at the Taft Youth Development Center can now enjoy table tennis on the latest equipment and receive training in the fundamentals of the sport. Furthermore, this equipment and training is the identical equipment and training being provided to some of the best high schools in the state under the same program as for Taft.

Mr. Newgarden has devoted a lifetime to elevating the sport of table tennis. He is known, not only across this country, but he has been a major contributor to table tennis in Europe, Asia, and even third world countries.

Fortunately for Taft, Mr. Newgarden’s passion for table tennis and promotion of table tennis has led him to the Taft Center. He has now offered resources to the Center for the establishment of table tennis programs there. His Taft offer was made and accepted by the forward-looking administration of Mr. Robert Bowen, Superintendent of Taft.

Mr. Newgarden has now assigned the development, establishment, and execution of table tennis programs in East Tennessee to Mr. Bill Neely. Mr. Neely has an impressive table tennis resume including gold medals in the District and State, and National Senior Olympics. Additionally, he has won multiple gold medals in the U. S, Open, U. S. Closed, International Veterans, and Huntsman World Senior Games. These include Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles competitions. His total medal count and other awards since he resumed table tennis in 1994 is more than 190 after an absence of 31-years..

The Taft program is unlike any other in the State’s history: Thousands of non-government dollars in new equipment and training, free of charge are offered, requiring only that they play under the prescribed structured program of learning. The administration is genuinely ecstatic at this offer, which provides another option for improved self esteem, as well as health and well being through an enjoyable physical activity; one which can be used throughout their lives.

The program provides, free of charge to Taft, all of the equipment and training necessary for the formation of solid programs to augment physical education in the Center. The students are encouraged to use the equipment at any time approved by the administration. There are several creative ways in which the equipment can be used. We leave that up to the Administration.

The only conditions for receiving this equipment are that:

The equipment be used as described in the proposal.
The equipment be maintained and cared for.
The schools accept the training in the use and care for the equipment
Competitions be held (in class, inter-class, and at some point, with outside entities).
All competitive play be recorded on match sheets provided by Newgy.
The match sheets be forwarded to Newgy for processing of ratings.

The initial delivery of equipment for teacher training, for each schools includes:

Three tournament-grade tables. (Originally only two were promised.)
10-rackets (Beginning level)-competitive rackets are personal, such as tooth brushes, and should be purchased later by the players after they settle on their own style of play.)
One-gross of balls (40-mm).
Fifteen barriers.
One challenge ladder set.
Two-hundred match sheets
Robots, not delivered at this time. (Need and quantity to be determined later.)

This equipment will be delivered to Taft at 1:30 pm CST on September 16.

The next step is to schedule and train the teachers to teach the sport to the students.

Other equipment for teaching the students will follow after the teachers have been trained and the additional needs have been assessed.

Table tennis, at best, is only fledgling sport on the national level. Mr. Newgarden has plans to correct this inequity. This will take time, but we all have heard how a long journey begins. There are currently several colleges who have recognized this and have established table tennis as a sports program within their institutions. A few are even giving sports scholarships to skilled and deserving athletes. This, I believe, is a preview of the future.

It is Mr. Newgarden’s greatest desire that every person in the United States have access to table tennis and that they play for health, improvement, and enjoyment. For a brief profile of Mr. Newgarden, a USATT Hall of Fame member, go to USATT.org, click of “features”, click on “hall of fame”, scroll to “Newgarden, Joe”.

By Scot Shanks

Exit Strategy Marks Beginning of the End of Brian A.

2010-11-10T10:33:00.000-06:00

Federal Court Filing Recognizes Landmark Changes at DCS

NASHVILLE -- Today, the Tennessee Attorney General, on behalf of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, and Children’s Rights, Inc., entered a joint filing in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee that recognizes the sweeping reforms that have bettered the lives of Tennessee’s most vulnerable citizens and plots out the final tasks the department must accomplish before exiting the Brian A. class action lawsuit.

Since 2000, DCS has operated under a federal consent decree negotiated with New York-based Children’s Rights, Inc., which sued the state over its poorly functioning foster care system.

“Public-child welfare reform was a task that this administration inherited and one that we committed to improving,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “We set out to do the hard work it would take to reshape this department, and today DCS is one of the few state child-welfare departments in the nation to become accredited. As we begin preparing to exit from the consent decree, we can mark this as one of thee significant accomplishments we have made in Tennessee. My thanks to Children’s Rights and the employees of DCS who have worked together to improve the system of care for our state’s most vulnerable children.”

“I am very proud of the DCS employees with whom I work,” said Commissioner Miller. “In every county office, our staff, our partners and our resource parents have made the lives of Tennessee’s foster children so much better. Even with these improvements, though, protecting children will always be difficult and sometimes heartbreaking. We know that there is always more that we need to do.”

The Brian A. consent decree established a path to reform the department. Since Governor Bredesen appointed Commissioner Miller in late 2003, DCS has transformed itself, with the active cooperation, guidance and assistance from Children’s Rights and from the Technical Assistance Committee, a group of nationally known child-welfare experts who serve as federal court monitors of the Brian A. consent decree.

The decree set out a series of benchmarks that the department must reach before exiting the suit. Since then, DCS has dramatically improved outcomes for children who come into custody. Siblings, for instance, are placed together far more often. The department has had great success in shifting its resources away from congregate-care settings in favor of family placements. Adoptions freeing children from state custody, which were below 200 annually in 1996, are now running at about 1,000 a year. Case loads have been reduced. Salaries for case managers have improved. A consortium of universities across the state now offer enhanced education and training for those who are dedicating their careers to public child welfare in Tennessee.

By recognizing those tasks that have been accomplished, the department can now focus on finishing those that remain. These efforts include working even harder on serving the needs of older foster youth and on refining the department’s engagement with foster parents.

The agreement requires the department to meet every provision in the consent decree and to maintain those provisions for 12 months before the department can exit the lawsuit.

Knox Trick or Treat

2010-11-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

Dave Hall, SS TL and his family

Pam Keene, CPS TL as Sasha

2nd Place Team - SIU and their version of the Wizard of Oz

Winning Team - Well Being Unit's portrayal of the Wizard of Oz

John McDonald

The JJ Unit as Detention residents

Jacob Akrom, CPS FSW

MSW Carolyn Kiser and her new grandbaby

Edana Boney. CPS FSW and her children

The Knox DCS Office underwent a transformation on Friday, October 29, 2010 as teams decorated their work areas and employees wore costumes to celebrate Halloween with our foster children. More than 150 foster children, as well as the children of DCS employees came through the office from 9 AM to 4 PM to trick or treat. No one left without a bag or bucket full of candy. A friendly decorating contest was held between the teams with Well Being claiming first place. SIU took second and Gary Brooks' team came in at third. In the individual costume contest, Casey Dockery, Transportation Officer, took the first place honors as the Tin Man; second place went to Pam Keene, CPS TL, as Sasha; and the third place award was garnered by Carol Lowdermilk, Health Advocacy Representative, as the Talking Tree from the Wizard of Oz.

The White House Recognizes National Adoption Month

2010-11-05T10:17:00.000-05:00

November 01, 2010

Presidential Proclamation--National Adoption Month

Giving a child a strong foundation -- a home, a family to love, and a safe place to grow -- is one of life's greatest and most generous gifts. Through adoption, both domestic and international, Americans from across our country have provided secure environments for children who need them, and these families have benefited from the joy an adopted child can bring. Thanks to their nurturing and care, more young people have been able to realize their potential and lead full, happy lives. This year, we celebrate National Adoption Month to recognize adoption as a positive and powerful force in countless American lives, and to encourage the adoption of children from foster care.

Currently, thousands of children await adoption or are in foster care, looking forward to permanent homes. These children can thrive, reach their full potential, and spread their wings when given the loving and firm foundation of family. Adoptive families come in many forms, and choose to adopt for different reasons: a desire to grow their family when conceiving a child is not possible, an expression of compassion for a child who would otherwise not have a permanent family, or simply because adoption has personally touched their lives. For many Americans, adoption has brought boundless purpose and joy to their lives. We must do all we can to break down barriers to ensure that all qualified caregivers have the ability to serve as adoptive families.

Read the full Presidential Proclamation here

Resource, Adoptive, and Guardianship Parent Payment Message from the Commissioner

2010-11-05T09:40:00.000-05:00

Dear Resource, Adoptive, and Guardianship Parents:

I hope this letter finds you doing well and taking pleasure in the autumn season. As the days become shorter and move by at a faster pace, we cannot forget that the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays will soon be here. Just as each season brings change, we are also experiencing our share as we transition to a new child welfare information system called the Tennessee Family and Child Tracking System (TFACTS). For many years we utilized a computer system called TN-Kids to manage our electronic files for the children and families (biological, resource and adoptive) that we serve. Several weeks ago, the Department converted into TFACTS; and we fully expect this system to improve the way that we provide and track our day-to-day services. But, like any change that occurs, we have experienced some “bumps in the road”.

One of the improvements in our TFACTS system is that we can now generate payments to resource/adoptive parents and providers directly from one computer system (in the past this has required multiple computer systems). With this change of business, it has resulted in some families experiencing difficulty with foster care board rate and subsidy payments being paid timely and paying correct rate amounts. If your family has been involved in any of these problems, we want to offer a sincere apology to you. Many of these problems were as a result to the conversion to the new system and unpreventable. At this time, we are confident that we have identified all of these families that have been affected; and that we are resolving each individual issue and getting payments processed. The corrections to each identified problem within the system should allow timely payments going forward; but if your family has experienced or experiences problems with payments in the future, we are asking that you contact us at 1-866-576-4412 to share the problems that you are experiencing. This line is being set-up to deal directly with any payment issues. As you leave a message, please share the county that you live in and the names and dates of birth of the children that you are experiencing problems with. Once leaving a message, you can expect a return call within 24 hours to follow-up. If you like, you can contact the local office, but in order to address your concerns quickly, we would ask you to use the number above. The last thing that we would want is for families to miss an opportunity to bring this to our attention and allow it to create larger problems for you and the children in your home. In addition, I want to share that we are temporarily postponing the use of the PHONE IN system for foster care board payment verification. Payments will be able to be generated on schedule without the use of this system; and when we are ready to resume this process, we will contact you to ensure that you have the needed pin numbers for children in your home and have the proper instructions.

As stated earlier, we are confident that we have gotten resolution on all back payments that have been created at this time, and we want to make sure that you assist us in identifying and resolving any that might happen in the future. Just as we appreciate your patience with us during this transition, we are most thankful of your decision to provide support to Tennessee’s children by giving them temporary and permanent homes and likewise want to provide a comparable level of support to you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Viola Miller

Commissioner

Dept. of Children’s Services

Performance Management – Striving for Success!

2010-10-28T13:14:00.000-05:00

In the field of social work, we all want to succeed in our work with children and families. But, what is considered “success” for DCS and how is it measured? The definition of “success” is found in the DCS mission statement, “Our mission is to empower families and support community safety and partnerships to help ensure safety, permanency and well being for children.” Safety, permanency, and well being…those are the measures of our success. If we can assist families in achieving those outcomes we have succeeded.

A new initiative is being launched that will assist regional leadership (RA/DRA/TCs) in achieving those outcomes to ensure success. This initiative is a new performance management process.

So, what is performance management? Performance management is an ongoing process of communication between a supervisor and an employee that occurs throughout the year in support of accomplishing the strategic goals of an organization. This process entails setting and aligning goals; coaching and developing employees; providing informal feedback; formally evaluating performance; and linking performance to recognition. When effectively carried out, performance management helps employees understand the nature and quality of their performance and identify what they need to do to improve as well as inspire them to do so. Most importantly, effective performance management helps employees know that their contributions are recognized and acknowledged, which assists in motivating them towards success. A robust and effective performance management process will provide a foundation for continuous improvement and achievement of state, regional, and team performance goals, which will translate into success for DCS.

So, what is the purpose of performance management? The purpose is to improve the quality of supervision, provide more goal-focused professional development, and enhance accountability. In so doing, children and family outcomes will improve since current research suggests that some of the most important factors contributing to improved child and family outcomes are quality supervision, a well-trained workforce, and a system for consistent accountability.

The tools utilized in a performance management process are an important factor in ensuring an effective process that achieves its intended purpose. The existing performance management tools, such as the Job Performance Plan (JPP), Monthly Performance Briefings (MPB), and Performance Evaluations (PE) are not currently assisting employees in reaching their maximum performance potential or helping regions in achieving their outcomes due to their lack of integration and standardization. For example, JPPs for the same service position vary from region to region and are not consistent agency-wide; competencies are not standardized to assist supervisors with directing and focusing professional development efforts, and performance goals are not integrated into the performance management process to guide regional, team and individual improvement efforts. JPPs for direct service positions are being revised to reflect a competency based model, but the goal is that all positions within DCS will have a competency-based JPP.

What we currently possess is not a performance management process but a performance tracking system – a system that looks back at what we have achieved, and records performance. What is needed is an integrated system that assists supervisors in not just tracking performance, but in recognizing and developing both performance and professional development needs so that the outcomes of permanency, safety and well being can be achieved. This is how success will be reached.

As a result, the following regions - Davidson, Upper Cumberland, South Central, Northeast, Southwest, and Tennessee Valley - are currently learning how to integrate the existing tools into a comprehensive, competency based performance management process, which is built upon a well-researched frame endorsed by the federal government and by national child welfare experts. Regional leadership is learning how to systematically use data in order to identify and support regional and organizational performance goals as well as improve child and family outcomes.

We all want to succeed. A renewed focus on employee performance, outcomes, and the measures needed to track success will assist us all in seeing children reunited with families, achieving timely permanency, and children being maintained safely in their living situations. Now that is true success!

Kevin Walker
Program Specialist
TCCW - Learning and Staff Development

Speak Up For Yourself!: Tennessee Youth Forum

2010-10-20T10:42:00.000-05:00

WHAT: The Tennessee Youth Leadership Forum is a 4-day leadership training for high school students with disabilities from across the state, sponsored by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. Selected Student Delegates will participate in small group discussions, attend presentations by national and local speakers, tour the Capitol and meet with a legislator. The goal is for students to learn to speak up for themselves, to begin giving serious thought to their lives after high school, and to develop skills related to becoming leaders in their communities.

WHEN: early July, 2011

WHERE: on a college campus in Middle Tennessee

COST: training, meals and sleeping rooms are covered by the program. Travel will be reimbursed approximately two weeks after the program.

HOW DOES ONE APPLY?

Students must complete the attached application in its entirety, which also includes essay responses and letters of recommendation. In addition, all applicants will be interviewed by phone or in person as part of the acceptance process. Application deadline is February 1, 2011.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

For any other information, or for a hard-copy of the application, please contact:

Ned Andrew Solomon

Director, YLF

615.532.6556

ned.solomon@tn.gov

No Phone In for October 21 & 22

2010-10-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

There is NO PHONE IN this week for resource parents. Dates of 10/21 and 10/22. The PHONE IN system is still having technical difficulties. Please advise ALL YOUR RESOURCE PARENTS today that the system is still down. ALL Resource Home payments will be generated via TFACTS.

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS: PIN letters have been sent to most new resource parents via Fiscal. However there are some resource parents who have not received a PIN. They can call me at 615-253-6906 in order to check if they are on the list here at Central office. We are still waiting on a updated list from Fiscal of our newest resource parents and their PINs.

Thank you for your continued advocacy for DCS resource families!

Odessa

NYT: New York Missed or Ignored Signs on Girl Who Died

2010-10-08T11:08:00.000-05:00

New York Missed or Ignored Signs on Girl Who Died

By RAY RIVERA

Published: October 5, 2010

A 4-year-old Brooklyn girl who weighed 18 pounds when she died in September appears to have gone months without a visit from child welfare workers assigned to monitor her well-being, despite indications that she could be at risk, New York’s child welfare agency revealed on Tuesday.

“We needed to do more to help,” said John B. Mattingly, the commissioner of children's services. The agency offered a wrenching glimpse into the final months of the girl, Marchella Pierce, whose home care, it said, was “grossly inadequate.” It also found that her mother beat her with a videocassette case for punishment and tied her to a bed “for substantial periods of time.”

In a preliminary report released at a City Council hearing, the agency, the Administration for Children’s Services, provided its most detailed look yet at the events that preceded the death of Marchella, whose bruised and emaciated body was found in her family’s Bedford-Stuyvesant apartment on Sept. 2.

Read more here

Foster Parents: No October 6 and October 7 phone-ins only

2010-10-06T15:17:00.000-05:00

Due to a small glitch in the Phone-in System, FOSTER CARE BOARD PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE DIRECTLY OUT OF TFACTS. No phone-in is necessary.

If you have immediate questions, please call your Resource Parent Support worker.

Thanks so much for your patience.

Resource Parent Phone In update

2010-09-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

We want to clarify the payment process as TFACTS assumes payments for our resource parents. Many of you have questions about this process and conflicting information is being delivered. Please call us if you have further questions, 615-253-6906.

Resource parent phone-in will occur between September 3rd and September 7th. There are no changes in these dates or the process on those two days. You will phone in as you have in the past.

Resource parents do not phone in on September 21st or September 22nd. During these September dates, RPS workers will work with regional fiscal Directors to assure payments for special or extraordinary rates are entered into TFACTS accurately; all regular rates will be automatically completed within TFACTS. New phone-in calendars will be posted on the web site. Please refer to the calendars as future dates have been changed.

The first TFACTS phone in time period will be October 6, and 7. The letter being sent to all DCS resource parents will outline this process specifically. The changes that will occur are the children ID’s and the phone numbers for phone in.

Central Office has developed a letter for all resource parents that will have each child’s ID number and an explanation of the process.

These letters will be delivered to each region and it will be the region’s responsibility to get these letters to resource parents.
It is expected that each region will have a point person to coordinate and document the delivery of the letters. Regional RPS will be the point of contact if a resource parent has any question. Any letters that are not deliverable will be returned to the regional/local office, RPS will be expected to correct the address or hand deliver the letters during their monthly resource home visit. These letters MUST be received by the resource parents no later than 9/15/2010.
Any address updates need to be entered into TFACTS by the RPS unit.
Regions should include this information in their regional newsletters.
Post this information on your DCS regional Facebook page.
This information will be added to the TFACA website and the DCS website by Central office staff.

John Johnson, Beth Kasch and Odessa Krech

Slate: Children and Stress

2010-08-12T10:12:00.001-05:00

The new science on chronically harsh and conflict-ridden households.

. . . Here's where the science is producing fresh news. Recent work in this area points to three main conclusions.

First, less-extreme harsh environments still lead to physical health problems. Children don't have to be abused in a strict legal sense to suffer lasting harm.

Second, such harsh environments can be produced by multiple factors that individually don't seem that significant but can influence one another in a snowball effect. For example, low-level conflict between parents that continues a bit longer than usual can lead to changes in how they talk to their child, and a little more edge and stress in the parent's voice can increase child misbehavior, such as more noncompliance. That push-back from the child grates with special force on a parent's nerves that are already raw because of some added problem, like real or threatened loss of a job.

Everyone's reactions go up a notch, with raging parents and whiny children egging each other on in an ascending spiral of stress. Such things normally happen in most homes without long-range effect, but they are usually short-lived. When the stressors continue for weeks and months, are a little more intense than usual, and seem to become a way of life, significant psychological and physical problems are more likely to emerge. No one knows exactly how much stress will do it. Even if we did identify a tipping point, it would vary for each family and individual based on many other influences—such as, for instance, other sources of emotional support in each person's life.

Third, researchers have made progress in understanding the precise nature of the connections between the psychological conditions in which a child is raised and the heightened risk of disease later in life and early death. One view has been that growing up in harsh environments makes a person more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking, excessive drinking, and risky sexual practices, thereby make children from such homes more likely to have some of the diseases mentioned previously. Maybe these kids grow up to be less healthy just because they do more things that we already know are bad for you. But even if that's true, it's not the whole story. The research shows that stress reactions and hormone and neuroendocrine responses all by themselves, independent of risky habits like smoking or heavy drinking, are different among people with early exposure to stress.

UT's Daily Beacon: Turnaround evident in Tennessee child welfare

2010-08-10T14:08:00.000-05:00

Turnaround evident in child welfare

Staff Reports -
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 issue

Staff Reports

Tennessee has reduced the number of children in its foster care system by 34 percent since 2000, while providing more effective help to families, according to a study released by Casey Family Programs.

The study shows the number of children in state custody in Tennessee has fallen since 2000 from 10,144 to 6,702 in 2009. In addition, Tennessee has decreased the number of children in long-term foster care, and the rate of children in out-of-home placements is now below the national average. At the same time, recurrences of abuse and neglect in children have decreased, indicating the safety of reform efforts.

The study was conducted to share the examples of states and counties that have been successful in child welfare reform. It outlines the way the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services has worked with Youth Villages, its largest private provider, to bring about reform. Casey Family Programs is the nation’s largest operating foundation focused entirely on foster care and improving the child welfare system.

Click to read further

Grants Training in Nashville, TN - October 7-8, 2010

2010-08-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

The State of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Research and Strategic Planning Division and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grants workshop in Nashville, October 7-8, 2010. In this class you'll learn how to find grants and write winning grant proposals. This training is applicable to grant seekers across all disciplines.

Click here for complete event details.

Beginning and experienced grant writers from city, county and state agencies as well as nonprofits, K-12, colleges and universities are encouraged to attend.

Multi-enrollment discounts and discounts for Grant Writing USA returning alumni are available. Tuition payment is not required at the time of enrollment.

Tuition is $425 and includes all materials: workbook and accompanying 420MB resource CD that's packed full of tools and more than 200 sample grant proposals. Seating is limited, online reservations are necessary.

Complete event details including learning objectives, class location, graduate testimonials and online registration are available here.

Contacts:
Cathy Rittenhouse
Grant Writing USA
800.814.8191 cathy@grantwritingusa.com

Dr. Lisa Webb-Robins
TN Department of Economic and Community Development
Research and Strategic Planning Division
615.532.1912 lisa.webb-robins@state.tn.us

Send us your nominations for Parents of the Year

2010-07-27T15:37:00.001-05:00

It’s time once again to send in your nominations for Foster Parent of the Year, Kinship Parent of the Year, Adoptive Parent of the Year, Staff Person of the Year, and Association of the Year. Please send us the names of those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty over the past year to help those in need. Awards will be presented at the 2010 TFACA Fall Conference. The final date nominations will be accepted is August 9, 2010.

Click here for nomination information.

Click here for nomination form.

Odessa Krech

Mark Your Calendars

2010-07-27T12:55:00.000-05:00

The 2010 Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Care Association Conference is on the horizon:

Sept. 17-19 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel.

Click here for your own copy of the brochure, in the handy Portable Document Format.

Click here for this year's online registration. (The deadline is August 15.)

Russia: Agreement Reached on Adoptions by US Parents

2010-07-24T11:05:00.000-05:00

Russia: Agreement Reached on Adoptions by US Parents

Wilder’s Weight Loss Challenge

2010-07-21T10:21:00.002-05:00

Michelle Sangster, Keith Waldron, and Kimberly Boone

On April 1, 2010, 19 staff members at John S. Wilder Youth Development Center took the weight loss challenge. On July 1, the challenge ended, and the total combined weight loss was 228 pounds. The overall weight loss winner was Keith Waldron who lost 50 pounds in 64 days. George Hale came in a close second with 44 pounds lost.

Special thanks to Kimberly Boone, Michelle Sangster and Emily Harville for their organization of the event. Another event is planned to begin in August and an idea of challenging other institutions is in the works.

Good job to all the participants, keep up the good work and encourage someone to improve their health.

Guide to New Legislation

2010-07-21T10:00:00.001-05:00

Each year, the Tennessee General Assembly makes changes to the law that impact our work at DCS. As DCS staff, it is critical that we know when changes have been made and fully understand their impact to those we serve. This year, we have developed a report which groups changes in the law by program area.

We hope this makes it easier for you to identify the changes which most directly impact your work. (We have also added hyperlinks to the Public Chapter number so you can quickly view the legislation in its entirety.)

Get your copy of the 2010 legislative rundown here.

Aaron Campbell
DCS Legislative Director

COA. It's Time to Revisit!

2010-07-15T11:16:00.000-05:00

We have been on such a exciting Journey to Accreditation for the past five years.   Having seen the evidence of how the COA standards of best practice have influenced the work we do and how we provide services to children and families, everyone should be extremely proud of their role in making COA accreditation of DCS a reality.

Now, it is time to begin to think about Reaccreditation. Plans are underway for our Maintenance of Accreditation phase and the development of resources to support each region as we prepare DCS for reaccreditation.   Gathering a group of trained Peer Reviewers who can assist their regions with those preparations will be critical to our future success.   In that regard, plans are being developed for a COA Volunteer Peer Reviewer training that will be conducted in Nashville in early August.   For those of you who are not really sure about their role, Peer Reviewers volunteer their time and expertise to participate in COA's accreditation process in agencies across the country. They receive no monetary compensation and are reimbursed only for the expenses incurred related to the site visit. According to COA data, each peer on average contributes more than 50 hours per site visit in familiarizing himself or herself with the organization's self-study, in carrying out on-site activities, assessing compliance, and in completing the report.

The Initial Peer Reviewer Training will be a one-day onsite training preceded by three self-paced trainings and learning assessments.   In order to be eligible to become a Peer Reviewer, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

A graduate degree in a human service discipline, or a non-human service degree and service management experience
At least five years of continuing management experience. This should include experience in budgeting, CQI, governance, or other administrative responsibilities.
All newly trained Peer Reviewers are required to accept a site visit assignment within 90 days of completing training.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and you are interested in becoming a COA Volunteer Peer Reviewer, please contact Brenda.B.Bell@tn.gov by close of business Friday. We still have three class slots available for staff from the regions.

Brenda B. Bell

Adoption Assistance Update

2010-07-15T10:42:00.000-05:00

July 15 -- All but 521 adoption assistance payments processed successfully this morning. Payments will be deposited into bank accounts tomorrow (for those who receive payments via ACH). Those receiving paper checks should receive them one day late as well (Saturday, Monday at the latest depending on their location.)

The department is working diligently to process the remaining 521 adoption assistance payments.

Erika

Erika Conwell, MSSW
Office of Child Permanency

First Pay Run for Adoption Assistance Payments Is Delayed

2010-07-14T15:12:00.001-05:00

Due to unforseen reasons, adoption assistance subsidy payments for the first pay run this fiscal year are going to be delayed. The pay run was scheduled to be complete by July 15th, but at this time the Department of Finance & Administration is still processing payments through Edison.

We do not have a date of when the adoption assistance payments will be made to adoptive parents, but our hope is that subsidy payments will go out the earlier part of next week. As the Office of Permanency, Division of Foster Care & Adoption and the Office of Finance and Program Support learn more information from F&A about the target date for payment, information will be shared with regional staff working with adoptive parents who receive adoption assistance payments.

As you receive these calls, please be respectful,responsive and empathetic to the challenges this creates for our adoptive parents. Our hope is that will be resolved quickly and that this delay creates limited complications for any of our adoptive parents affected.

Please direct any calls concerning late subsidy payments for adoption assistance to the regional adoption assistance designee. Contact names and phone numbers are listed below.

Erika Conwell, MSSW

Office of Child Permanency

Gratitude at the Mountain View Banquet

2010-07-08T11:07:00.000-05:00

On June 21, 2010, Mountain View YDC held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. This year’s theme was an “Attitude of Gratitude”. Our guests of honor were all the volunteers who donate resources and countless hours of service to the students at Mountain View. Our special musical guest was the choir of Martha Davis Baptist Church of Jefferson City. The distinguished guest speaker was Jefferson County Juvenile Judge Ben Strand, whose message was one of thanks to all of the Mountain View Volunteers who selflessly demonstrate the their volunteer spirit through work with our students. Culinary Arts teacher Robert Adams and his students amazed us yet again with ambrosial cuisine and desserts.

Special thanks and recognition go out to CM 3 Roxanne Bowen, Volunteer Coordinator David Bugg, ASA Kathy Ridenour, Food Service Manager Robert Adams, and CM 3 Don Burnette for their hard work in making this year’s banquet a festive occasion.

Awards were presented to the following volunteers and organizations for outstanding service and contributions to our program:

Partnership Award:
Smoky Mountain Knifeworks
Bib Boys of White Pine

Pioneer Award
People Serving People

Allen Ramey Volunteer of the Year
Mount Zion Church of Knoxville

Steve Collier

Congratulations, Annakiya!

2010-07-08T10:52:00.001-05:00

Cheatham County's Annakiya Sauda is the AdoptUSKids' Caseworker of the Month.

" 'It’s obvious Annakiya has a passion for children, especially the difficult ones that others seem to have given up on. This 15-year-old girl went through multiple placements and was rejected by everyone who is supposed to love and care for her,” said David and Sonya Sherman of Nashville, Tennessee, who nominated Sauda."

Read on here.

On the Satellite: Cultural Responsiveness Forum

2010-06-17T11:43:00.000-05:00

To view online:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/a/tccw.org/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHdlV3FwSUNiUUp0THlGLWVXRm1yU2c6MA

COA Celebration with the Deputy Governor

2010-06-17T10:39:00.003-05:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Part One of Albert Dawson's Discussion on Woodland Hills Safety

2010-06-11T18:39:00.003-05:00

To Encrypt or Not to Encrypt – That is the Question

2010-06-11T11:45:00.004-05:00

Here's a handy guide about how to send secure e-mails for those of you who have to communicate sensitive information, say, about the children on your caseloads. It's a great tool. It's easy. And it works. Just remember the square brackets.

How to send “Secure Emails”

Here is the general rule:

Anytime that you are sending an e-mail via the internet to someone outside of the state GroupWise system, you should send it secure and encrypted.

Please remember that:

• Electronic mail is not private; it is prohibited by State and DCS policy to send confidential material to an unauthorized recipient or send confidential email without the proper security standards being met.

• The State and DCS do have an acceptable method for sending confidential email and it is through the use of placing [Secure Email] in the subject line of the email. This allows the body of your message and any attachments to be encrypted. Be sure to include the square brackets.

How does this work?:

The email is routed to the Secure Web Delivery Server where a notification is created and sent to the recipient.
A confirmation email is sent to the sender informing her that the message was delivered securely.
The recipient goes to the site and retrieves her information.

Also remember:

Do not place any confidential information in the subject line because it will not be encrypted (so don’t put any social security numbers, dates of birth, etc in the subject line).

So who needs to do this?

We all need to use this approach [Secure Email] any time that we are communicating case specific information to someone outside of our GroupWise e-mail system.

Is it really that easy?

Yep. Just put [Secure Email] in the subject line and it will work. Be sure to put it in brackets just like it is printed here and the sensitive and confidential information that our Agency deals with will be protected.

It's Back On

2010-06-01T13:46:00.002-05:00

The TFACTS management team has determined that sufficient progress has been made to schedule the start of the TFACTS pilot. This most exciting time will also be a challenging time as we learn more about and gain experience with our new and different software application.

The TNKids application will be brought down at 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 3 to begin the data conversion. The TNKids application will be available again by 7:00 AM on Monday, June 7. The TFACTS pilot is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 9 at 7 AM.

More information and instruction will be provided as we progress with the conversion process.

Thank you for your patience and enthusiastic attitude as TFACTS becomes a reality within DCS.

Politicking Protocol

2010-05-28T15:44:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder that if you want to run for a partisan political office, you need to be mindful of the federal law known as the Hatch Act.

If you are going to be involved in any political campaigns, please take a look at the Tennessee law known as the Little Hatch Act (Tenn. Code Ann. 2-19-201 et seq).

In general, because our Agency receives federal funds, you cannot be a DCS employee and run for partisan political office.

If you think that your case is an exception, then you must get an advisory opinion from the federal Office of the Special Counsel for the Hatch Act (Hatchact@osc.gov) and send the General Counsel's a copy of that opinion if in fact you meet one of the exceptions.

You should also remember that the Little Hatch Act prohibits state employees from displaying campaign literature, banners, signs, etc. on behalf on any candidate in places such as state buildings and on state vehicles. Again, if you have questions about this, contact the General Counsel's office.

TFACTS Pilot: Not Launching Now

2010-05-26T09:46:00.003-05:00

Mission Control elects to delay TFACTS pilot launch. Photo: NASA

The TFACTS Pilot Implementation activities will NOT proceed at this time. There are a number of issues that must be addressed before we can move forward, and it will take more time to complete them.

This means that TNKids and other current systems will not be coming down for conversion purposes.

Please DO NOT start using procedures you have in place to account for system down time or data synchronization. More information will become available over the next few days regarding plans to resume TFACTS Pilot Implementation.

This message was approved by OIS Director Michael Bowie.

DCS Help Desk
Local: 615-741-4636
Toll free: 1-888-853-4636

The TFACTS Conversion: What To Expect

2010-05-24T16:25:00.000-05:00

The Department of Children's Services (DCS) is replacing the current TNKIDS child-welfare system with a new SACWIS (System Automated Child Welfare Information System) named TFACTS, the Tennessee Family and Child Tracking System.

TFACTS is a web-based platform that is replacing 12 legacy systems. The new system will interface with multiple other agencies, including but not limited to, Edison, TennCare, SSA and Adopt-US-KIDS which plugs the state into an adoption support system across the United States. TFACTS will also support the DCS Program's long-term vision of moving the state from a child-centric vision to a family-centric vision.

TFACTS Pilot Conversion & Implementation:
* The TFACTS pilot implementation/conversion process will begin the week of May 24, 2010.
* Tuesday evening (5/25), the process of bringing down the Legacy systems will begin. (DCS_All messages will keep you informed of this activity.)
* During that implementation week, the TFACTS integrated project team will meet twice a day, at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST. The team will discuss the progress of the activities required to convert data from the Legacy Systems and to implement TFACTS to the Pilot users.
* Non-pilot users will receive communication once the Legacy systems are back up and available to them for their continued work in TNKids; this is currently expected sometime Thursday, May 27, 2010. (A DCS_All message will alert DCS users when the Legacy systems are available.)

**Following the twice daily meetings with the integrated project team, I will send out a project status message to keep you all posted of our progress. The message will include either the 10 a.m. or 5 p.m. CST status time and whether we are on schedule or behind, and if behind our planned catch-up schedule. The status will be brief so as to simply make you aware of our progress. Please feel free to contact me with any questions throughout this process.

The TFACTS project has been a huge undertaking and has required the efforts of many, many people across numerous agencies and across the state. I would like to take this time to thank everyone for their time and support of the project. All of the TFACTS accomplishments are due to your efforts.

Cynthia Coulter
TFACTS Project Director

What the Flood Means to Adoption Records

2010-05-20T14:33:00.000-05:00

The recent Nashville flood waters managed to find some of the state's vital records, specifically sealed adoption records and educational records which are stored in the State Records Center, Department of General Services.

Here's what was damaged:

The State Records Center in Nashville had extensive flood damage where the water levels reached a depth of 5 feet. All of their office equipment was lost. All records on the first two shelves in the storage warehouse were damaged by water. Those records are being recovered by Belfor. Some of their shelving also collapsed, so that will have to be repaired as well. Adoption Records were stored high enough to remain dry except for one skid of boxes that were waiting to be put on shelves. These were records that Adoptions sealed and recently sent to the Records Center. General Services has already shrink-wrapped that skid and sent it Belfor for drying. Five boxes of education records also sustained water damage.

Here's the anticipated schedule for solving this problem

At this time, General Services Records Management can give no ETA on when the State Records Center will be operational. This means that any Education or Adoption Records stored there will be unretrievable for the foreseeable future. If we were to receive a court order to access a particular Adoption Record, Records Director Donna Bridges has assured us they will work with us to produce that box of records. Aside from special circumstances like this, all other request for records under normal business conditions will be placed on hold. Business resumption for the State Records Center is a three-phase process.

Phase 1: Cleanup & decontamination of the records and storage areas.

Phase 2: Resumption of retrieval of records.

Phase 3: Resumption of accepting new records for storage.

They are currently in Phase 1.

Here's what it means to those seeking adoption records:

Until the State Records Center is operational under Phase 2, Adoption Registration/ Post Adoption Services unit will be limited in its ability to access sealed adoption records for service to requests from the Department and other administrative entities as well as the public. Requests will be accepted; written notice of the status will be documented and provided to the individual who requested on a case by case basis.

The Adoption Registration /Post-Adoption Services unit has prepared a letter to submit to individuals who have requested access to sealed adoption records of the impact and status of access.

Adoption Registration/Post-Adoption Services unit will continue to accept closed adoption records per protocol from both DCS and the private sector, having established temporary alternate storage for all closed adoption records in the Cordell Hull.

Critical Information As We Prepare For TFACTS Pilot

2010-05-20T12:46:00.000-05:00

We are rapidly approaching a very exciting and important time for the Department-we plan to launch the Pilot phase of the Tennessee Family and Child Tracking System on June 1, 2010. While the Mid Cumberland Region and other Pilot Participant sites will have the most to do with the new system, all current system users will be affected in some ways. One significant way deals with the need to ensure certain types of information are managed in TNKids and also in TFACTS throughout the duration of the Pilot.

Click on this link to obtain an essential document.

This document describes procedures to ensure that Person Information is kept up to date in both systems during TFACTS Pilot. It is critical that all TNKids users who update this type of information become very familiar with these procedures.

You will also receive additional instructions from your regional leadership regarding other tasks or activities necessary to prepare for TFACTS.

Commissioner Viola Miller

The TFACTS Pilot Is Just Days Away

2010-05-19T13:33:00.001-05:00

In just a few days we will launch the pilot of our shiny new case management system, TFACTS. It has been a long and sometimes rocky road and the "fun" is just starting. Let me assure you that I have been around a long time and have NEVER seen an IT pilot and rollout go totally smoothly. It just doesn't happen. We are a strong agency and we will work our way through this implementation if we all hang together and support each other.

Our pilot sites include Woodland Hills Youth Development Center, Central Intake, Special Investigative Unit and the Mid Cumberland Region. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for their willingness to step up and be our "guinea pigs." They will provide that front line of implementation which will be essential to our long-term success.

I encourage everyone in the DCS family to find some way to send words of encouragement to our colleagues involved in the pilot. They will need our support and to know that we are there for them as they lead the charge for all of us.

I have no doubt in my mind that TFACTS implementation will be successful and that we will eventually love our new system. I also have no doubt that there will be frustrations and angst as we proceed.

Our new system will truly support our model of service delivery and structure of the work as it is now done in DCS and that's good news. Our system will be very different from TNKids and, like it or not, it's difficult to trade the familiar for the new. We will learn and change together and we will be successful.

MY VERY BEST WISHES TO WHYDC, CI, SIU AND MID CUMBERLAND. Thank you for what you are doing for our agency!!!

Commissioner Viola Miller

Flood Assistance

2010-05-14T13:35:00.000-05:00

State Offering Assistance to Eligible Low-Income Flood Victims.

Download this file for more information:

AP: Russia, US reach accord on adoption deal

2010-05-12T09:37:00.000-05:00

MOSCOW (AP) -- Russia and the United States have reached a new bilateral accord on adoptions and expect to sign it within two months, a senior Russian official said Wednesday.

Russia had demanded such an accord after a 7-year-old Russian boy was sent back to Moscow last month - alone on a one-way flight - by his adoptive American mother in Tennessee, creating an uproar in Russia. American adoption officials also were horrified at the drastic action taken by the mother and angry about its possible repercussions.

Russian officials say they want more control over U.S. adoptions of Russian children and the living conditions those children face in the United States.

Click to continue reading

The TFACTS Knowledge Base: A New Way to Get TFACTS Information

2010-05-11T10:24:00.001-05:00

What is the TFACTS Knowledge Base?

The TFACTS Knowledge Base is a web based application (leased by DCS from Omnistar Interactive, LLC) that provides a supplement to the knowledge already provided to support staff and users in the early stages of TFACTS implementation. It is a separate application from TFACTS, but will be available from TFACTS via a hyperlink in Online Help. You can also save the link directly to your Favorites.

How do I get to the TFACTS Knowledge Base?

Just click on the link, below!

TFACTS Knowledge Base

Is this the only place to find information about TFACTS?

No, but it will be a central location for TFACTS Knowledge-related information. It is consolidating a lot of information either established in, or derived from, the following:

· The TFACTS News! Website (FAQ’s, Discussion Guides)

· Formal classroom training

· Web Based Training

· On Line Help

· Users Guide

· Quick Reference Guide

· Use of the Practice database

The TFACTS Knowledge Base will be updated continuously as we learn more about the TFACTS application and its use.

How is the TFACTS Knowledge Base organized?

TFACTS Knowledge Base articles and FAQ’s are arranged in a folder tree system, similar to Windows Explorer. There are three (3) main folders, described below:

TFACTS: Most articles related to user support of TFACTS will be placed in the main category of TFACTS, and further broken down into one of several sub-categories (Help Desk, Training Parking Lot questions, General Info, etc.)

Flow Chart: This category contains TFACTS-related flow charts that include a step-by-step process.

Policy and Practice: This category contains articles on policy/practice questions related to the TFACTS functional areas.

A detailed description of all categories currently available in the TFACTS Knowledge Base can be found in the expanded description document—just click on the link, below:

The TFACTS Knowledge Base – General Description

How do I find information in the TFACTS Knowledge Base, and can I provide feedback?

To view FAQs and knowledge articles contained in this tool, click the category that best describes the article you are looking for. Users may search for a specific article by use of a keyword search. To use the key word search, enter the key word in the Search Articles area and click Search. Users can use the categories and sub-categories to limit your search for related articles.

Once the article is retrieved, you may view, print and email selected FAQs and knowledge articles.

After reviewing an article/FAQ, please provide information describing the value of each article you viewed. This will allow us to keep the contents current and meaningful.

Users may also enter comments on the articles they have reviewed to the Knowledge Base Administrator at the TFACTS Help Desk.

Can I ask for, or contribute articles to, the TFACTS Knowledge Base?

Yes! Just follow the directions available via the link, below:

To submit an Article Request or Update

Who will maintain the TFACTS Knowledge Base?

Initially, the DRC and DCS Help Desk managers will jointly maintain the TFACTS Knowledge Base. The TFACTS Communication Manager is maintaining the Policy and Practice information posted. Upon completion of the Help Desk transition activity, the DCS Help Desk manager will maintain the TFACTS Knowledge Base.

11 More

2010-05-06T13:50:00.000-05:00

Bredesen Announces Disaster Declarations for 11 More Tennessee Counties

COUNTIES DECLARED TODAY INCLUDE CARROLL, CROCKETT, DECATUR, FAYETTE, GIBSON, HARDEMAN, HAYWOOD, HENDERSON, HOUSTON, MADISON AND OBION

NASHVILLE – Governor Bredesen announced today the federal government has authorized a major disaster declaration for 11 additional Tennessee counties, bring the total number of counties declared to 21. This action makes federal assistance available to individuals in Carroll, Crockett, Decatur, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Houston, Madison and Obion counties.

Bredesen asked President Obama on Monday to declare 52 counties federal disaster areas following the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that struck the state over the weekend. Twenty-one counties have received declarations to date. In addition to the 11 announced today, counties previously authorized include Cheatham, Davidson, Dyer, Hickman, McNairy, Montgomery, Perry, Shelby, Tipton and Williamson.

Remember, There's Help Available

2010-05-06T12:12:00.000-05:00

Maybe this would help you. Maybe not.
Even if it wouldn't help you, it might be good for all of us to keep an eye out for some of our friends and co-workers who may be feeling overwhelmed right now.

K?

OK,
The WWU

The floods this weekend in Middle Tennessee have left many of us with lives disrupted and homes damaged. If you haven’t experienced it directly, you probably have friends and family who have been impacted. A flood can leave a trail of structural destruction, but what about the emotional impact? Feelings of grief, despair and frustration are normal reactions to such events.

Our EAP can assist with the emotional impact of this situation. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven day a week to provide confidential assistance to you. The toll free phone number is 1-800-308-4934.

Counselors are also available on a variety of topics including financial issues and legal consultation. There is additional information, self-help tools and other resources are available online at www.MagellanHealth.com./member.

Employee Assistance Program

Benefits Administration

W. R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower