KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services released renderings of the centers for youth entering state care that it plans to build in Knoxville and Lenoir City.
DCS plans to build a “Welcome Place” in Lenoir City that would serve young people immediately after entering state care, providing “short term stabilization” while the department forms long-term plans. DCS plans to build five others in different parts of Tennessee, each able to house up to 16 young people with space for family visits and individual care.
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Additionally, the department plans to build a “Wellness Place” in Knoxville where young people with complex needs can stay for 30 days, giving time for trauma-responsive clinical assessments. The department said this will allow it to better connect youth with “long-term therapeutic environments.” The Knoxville center, and the two other centers planned for Middle and West Tennessee, would be designed for 20 young people.
“When youth enter our care, time matters,” said Commissioner Margie Quin. “These new Welcome and Wellness Places are designed to reduce uncertainty at the front door, strengthen assessments, and quickly identify the most appropriate longer-term community-based setting for our young people. We’re proud to share this first look as we move toward breaking ground later this year.”…