TN.gov Newsroom

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Human Services collected more than $557 million for children though its child support program over the last state fiscal year, surpassing the previous year’s record of $530 million.   

“Children depend not only on the emotional support from their parents, but their financial support as well,” said DHS Commissioner Gina Lodge.  “DHS and our child support partners across Tennessee are committed to improving the lives of children and ensuring that they receive their court-ordered support.”

Insulating a home

NASHVILLE – The Department of Human Services announced today that training will begin next week to prepare energy auditors and contractors to weatherize thousands of homes across Tennessee, including homes of some families not previously eligible for the program. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide up to $99 million for weatherization projects in Tennessee.

MEMPHIS – A 44-year old Cordova man was indicted last week and arrested on Saturday, June 27 in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud the federal and state government out of more than $150,000 in public assistance benefits.   Internal reviews at the Department of Human Services revealed that Kemoh Sulimani, an eligibility counselor in Shelby County, may have created dozens of fictitious cases that enabled him to embezzle from two government assistance programs—Food Stamps and Families First, the state’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program.

NASHVILLE – More than 9,500 reports of adult abuse, neglect and/or exploitation were made last year to the Tennessee Department of Human Services’ Adult Protective Services (APS) unit. The number of individuals receiving services through the APS has increased nearly 40 percent in just six years. And more than eight out of 10 times, the abuser is related to the victim. Governor Phil Bredesen is proclaiming June 15^th “Elder Abuse Awareness Day” in Tennessee, and the Tennessee Departments of Commerce and Insurance and Human Services are teaming up to help raise awareness.

NASHVILLE — Child care providers across Tennessee who transport children are facing increased inspections again this summer. The Tennessee Department of Human Services is cracking down with extra monitoring visits, and even surveillance, to ensure that the state’s comprehensive transportation rules are being followed. Providers are being notified this week to be extra vigilant to keep their children safe during the hot summer months, or face the consequences. Those caught breaking the rules face a range of penalties, from being put on notice, probation or even suspension of their transportation operation.

State Claims Millions of Dollars from Parents Who Won’t Pay 

Background Checks, Numerous Licensing Visits Cited for Keeping Kids Safe

NASHVILLE — The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRA) has released its report card on the state of child care in the U.S., and Tennessee now ranks third in the nation, behind only the Department of Defense and the District of Columbia.  The report, entitled “We CAN Do Better,” is a detailed study which reviews standards and oversight that promote health, safety and school readiness of our young children. Tennessee moved up several slots, having been ranked 7^th in the 2007 report.

"I’m proud that our Department of Human Services keeps such a close eye on its youngest and most vulnerable citizens,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “Because of their hard work, our children are safe, healthy and ready for school when they leave their child care setting.”

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Human Services is looking for sponsors and more feeding sites for the upcoming Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in order that low income children may have additional opportunities to receive healthy, nutritious meals during summer vacation. Regulated and funded nationally through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this nutrition program is designed to assist children who depend upon school lunch and breakfast programs when schools are in session and whose needs continue into the summer.  

Federal Tax Credit Helps Improves Lives of Working Low Income Families