Senate Bill 1644, known as the "Stable Homes for Foster Youth Act," aims to enhance the welfare of children in the foster care system in Tennessee. The bill establishes new guidelines to ensure that foster children are not placed in inappropriate temporary housing such as vehicles, state offices, or hotels, except in emergency situations lasting no more than 24 hours. It mandates that foster children be placed in stable environments, including kinship care, licensed foster families, or small group homes with a maximum of ten children. Additionally, the bill limits the number of times a foster child can be moved to two times per year, unless extenuating circumstances arise, and requires caseworkers to provide written explanations for any placement changes.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Children's Services to develop a real-time tracking system for foster children to enhance their safety and ensure their whereabouts are monitored. It also mandates the department to issue an annual report detailing the number of children placed in various care settings, instances of prohibited placements, and the effectiveness of the tracking system. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the stability and outcomes for children in foster care, ultimately fostering a safer and more supportive environment.