April 2024 CSQ

incarcerated parent with a copy of the review findings and a copy of the
modified order.
As of January 2024, Tennessee’s CSRT has served hundreds of parents
and facilitated modifications to their child support cases. Since the
implementation of the program, Tennessee’s current child support ratio has
increased.
Phase Two: Direct Services for Justice-involved Parents
With the successful implementation of Phase One, CSRT broadened its
focus and began exploring ways to provide justice-involved parents with
housing stability, food stability, education, job training opportunities, access
to their children, and emotional support. This was done to assist them with
reentering their communities and the lives of their children.
Beginning in February 2024, CSRT began meeting with incarcerated
parents within 60 days of release across three TDOC facilities. The goal is
to meet individually with parents near their release date and share
information about reentry services. At this meeting, CSRT will provide the
parents with information about the child support program and their
individual case(s). They will also review exit plans to identify gaps that
could be filled by CSRT and furnish them with a direct contact if they
choose to enroll in the program upon release.
Community Partnerships
While CSRT is not actively seeking referrals from community partners, the
plan is to expand its direct service footprint in the coming year. In
preparation for the expansion, groundwork is being laid with stakeholders
across Tennessee. The team travels throughout the state, attending events
to provide information about the program.
Strategic Approach to Services
From the proposal to the implementation of
Phase One and Phase Two, every aspect
of the program has been carefully planned
and vetted to ensure the correct services
are provided at the correct time. Engaging
stakeholders inside and outside of TDHS
has allowed the team to serve hundreds of
incarcerated parents by obtaining a modification of their current child
support.