Senate Bill 1605 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 37-1-902(b), to enhance the support and protection of children aged five years and younger. The bill proposes to delete existing subdivisions (b)(1)-(3) and replace them with new objectives focused on reducing the time to permanency for these children, prioritizing cases involving those under three years of age. Additionally, the bill seeks to decrease the incidence of repeat maltreatment and mitigate the long-term and short-term effects of trauma on brain development for children in this age group.

The new legal language emphasizes a proactive approach by surrounding at-risk families with support services, thereby addressing the needs of vulnerable children more effectively. This legislation is set to take effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting the urgency of improving outcomes for young children in Tennessee.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 37-1-902(b), 37-1-902