Tennessee Resources

Getting Started

• Adoption Manual
  Guidebook provided by DCS outlining the adoption process from start to finish, including resources and services for adoptive families and children.
• Adoption Preparation Training
  Adoption Support and Preservation (ASAP) in Tennessee provides potential adoptive families with adoption prep training.
• Child Adoption Laws
  Adoption laws for state of Tennessee
• LGBT Adoption Laws
  LGBT adoption laws in Tennessee.
• Pre-Service Training Information
  Outlines the requirements for pre-service PATH training classes.
• Private Adoption Agencies
  Contact information for private adoption agencies in Tennessee. Includes information on each agency’s fees.
• Public and Private Agency Search
  Public and private foster care adoption agencies in Tennessee.
• Regional DCS Offices
  Map of regional DCS offices.
• Adoption Information
  Adoption Information by state
• Understanding Tennessee Adoption Laws and Policies
  An overview of adoption laws
• DCS Adoption Services
  DCS provides an overview of adoption services
• Home Study Requirements (See bottom of page for providers)
  Information on the Home study program and requirements
• Adoption Therapists
  A list of local therapists that specialize in adoption

Searching for Children

• Department of Children’s Services
  Browse through a photo listing of Tennessee’s waiting children.
• WWK Recruiters
  Scroll down and click on Tennessee to view contact information for Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiters families may contact regarding waiting Tennessee children.
• Heart Gallery Of America
  Photo lists of waiting children

Pre-Placement

• ICPC Information
  Provides general information on ICPC process in Tennessee, including contact information for state ICPC offices.

Post-Adoption Support & Resources

• Adoption Assistance
  Select Tennessee to view more information on adoption assistance in state of Tennessee, courtesy of Child Welfare Information Gateway.
• Adoption Attorneys
  Contact information for adoption-competent attorneys in Tennessee.
• Adoption Library
  Browse through Harmony Family Center’s online resources, including adoption research articles, adoption terms, multimedia resources, and recommended readings.
• Adoption Records
  Accessing adoption records in Tennessee.
• Adoption Support and Preservation
  ASAP provides families with support groups, counseling, individualized care, relief teams, and more.
• ASAP Support Groups
  View ASAP’s support groups schedule.
• Resource Parent Support Group
  The Resource Parent Support Group meets in Chattanooga every 4th Tuesday of the month.
• Services to Adoptive Families
  Information on post-adoption services can be found starting on page 118 of DSS’ Adoption Best Practices manual.
• State Subsidy Information
  NACAC provides general information on adoption subsidies in Tennessee.
• The Barn (Equine Therapy)
  Harmony Family Center offers equine therapy for foster children and children adopted from foster care.
• Attachment and Trauma Specialists
  A list of local therapists that specialize in working with attachment and trauma related issues.
• Behavioral care treatment centers
  A list of local treatment centers for behavioral care
• Child Care Resources
  A compiled list of child-care resources
• Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Programs
  A list of local treatment centers specializing in child abuse treatment
• Counseling Resources
  A compiled list of counseling resources
• Kid Counseling
  A list of local therapists specializing in treating children
• Kinship Care
  Kinship programs and information
• Medical Resources
  Health and medical resources
• NPEN National Parenting Education Network
  A list of programs by state
• NOFAS FASD Support
  State resources and support group information
• Trauma Counseling
  A list of local therapists specializing in trauma related issues.
• Online Support Groups
  A list of online support group resources
• Post-Adoption Questions and Answers
  Frequently asked questions and answers regarding adoption
• Special Health Care Needs
  Resources for parents of children with special health care needs.

Events and Activities

• Cultural Events
  Events Calendar
• Summer Activities
  a list of activities for kids.

Home Study Service Providers

• Abby’s One True Gift
  Home study service provider
• American Adoptions
  Home study service provider
• TN adoption agency
  Home study service provider