Federal Grant Award Summary

The Administration on Children, Youth and Families awarded $4.33 million to the Tennessee Department of Children's Services under the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program (CFDA 93.556) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This formula grant supports child maltreatment prevention and family stability services designed to protect at-risk children and strengthen family units. The funding enables Tennessee to deliver a comprehensive range of supportive services including foster care case management, adoption support and incentive payments, guardianship assistance, mental health and substance abuse treatment, in-home parenting skill programs, counseling, and transitional living assistance for vulnerable children and families throughout the state.

The Department of Children's Services distributes federal funding through sub-awards to local government entities, non-profit organizations, and community-based providers. Notable sub-award partnerships include the Tennessee Department of Education, which provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities and education services for neglected and delinquent children, and the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration, which supports crime victim assistance and justice-related initiatives. The MaryLee Allen Program operates on an annual formula award cycle, with state agencies required to submit five-year plans or annual updates by June 30 each year for Children's Bureau approval by September 30.