Hospitals becoming a ‘dumping ground’ for kids in DCS custody
Children in state custody are facing a troubling situation in Tennessee hospitals, where they are spending months waiting for placement because the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) has no alternative options. These children, who have been medically cleared, are occupying hospital beds that could be utilized by other patients, especially during times of increased demand.
According to a report by NewsChannel 5 Investigates, one child spent a staggering 276 days at a children’s hospital even though he should have been released much earlier. Hospital officials are voicing concerns that they are becoming a dumping ground for children that DCS cannot place in foster care.
The Children’s Hospital Alliance of Tennessee (CHAT) has highlighted the impact of these extended stays, stating that the children are taking up valuable resources that could be used for other patients in need of care. TennCare covers the cost of hospital care for these children, but the exact amount of taxpayer dollars being spent on these prolonged stays has not been disclosed.
DCS has cited the difficulty in finding placements for these children, particularly those who are medically fragile and cannot stay in DCS office buildings like some other children have been doing. The situation often begins in a pediatric emergency room, where a DCS caseworker brings a child with a genuine medical issue. However, once the child is ready for discharge, DCS struggles to find a suitable placement.
State Senator Heidi Campbell expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that the state is failing these children and the DCS. Examples of children facing prolonged hospital stays include a 10-year-old with Muscular Dystrophy who spent 103 days in a hospital in Knoxville after his mother passed away from COVID. Another 10-year-old with severe autism was housed for 51 days in the same hospital before being sent to a facility out of state.
DCS Commissioner Margie Quin has acknowledged the issue of long hospital stays for these children and has requested over $8.7 million to fund “Assessment Treatment Homes” across the state. These homes would provide specialized care for medically hard-to-place children. Senator Campbell emphasized the need for immediate action to address the situation, urging the state to allocate necessary funds to support these vulnerable children.
Despite the challenges, Commissioner Quin’s proposed plan aims to tackle the issue by providing more funding, increased training, and support for case workers. The Children’s Hospital Alliance of Tennessee commended the efforts of DCS employees and emphasized the importance of finding foster homes for medically fragile children.
In conclusion, the state of Tennessee is facing a critical issue with children in state custody spending prolonged periods in hospitals due to a lack of placement options. Immediate action is needed to address this crisis and ensure that these vulnerable children receive the care and support they deserve.
