House Bill 2188, also known as Senate Bill 2362, amends Tennessee law to enhance services for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are in state custody or at risk of entering state custody. The bill mandates the Department of Children's Services to enter into an interagency agreement with the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) to leverage DDA's expertise in evaluating services, determining appropriate placements, and overseeing the quality of care for these children. Key provisions include the requirement for service evaluations, placement recommendations, oversight of services, training for staff, and disability-specific care coordination.
Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Children's Services to submit an annual report starting January 1, 2027, detailing compliance with the new provisions. This report will include data on referrals to DDA, evaluations conducted, placement definitions, oversight findings, training status, and care coordination services. The aim of the bill is to ensure that children with I/DD receive appropriate support and services while in state custody, thereby improving their overall well-being and care.