TN HB1359

Establishes a statutory bill of rights for foster children in Tennessee, including the right to age-appropriate education, care in the least restrictive setting, a safe environment free from abuse and pests, and access to medical, dental, vision, and mental health services

Guarantees foster children the right to report violations of their rights without fear of punishment, interference, coercion, or retaliation, and protects their confidential communication with legal representatives

Requires the Department of Children's Services to train all employees who work with foster children on these rights, with current employees trained by February 1, 2026 and new employees within 30 days of hire

Mandates development of age-appropriate materials explaining foster children's rights, created in consultation with stakeholders including foster care alumni from each grand division of the state

Rights must be explained to children within 30 days of entering custody and annually at permanency hearings; materials must be reviewed and revised at least every 5 years; effective July 1, 2025