Tennessee Commission on Children & Youth

09/08/2026

It's a TCCY Tuesday for data!

The 2028 Budget Recommendations have been handed over to policy makers.

In affordability and economic security; TCCY's data recommends to, "appropriate state funds to offset the new federal SNAP cost- sharing requirements, ensuring eligible Tennesseans retain access to benefits."

SNAP is a critical component of Tennessee’s commitment to the health of our youngest Tennesseans and our economic structure, its an efficient program with relatively low administrative costs that ensures our children are fed, healthy and able to continue growing.

Read more about why this matters and what policy makers can do to solve the issue!
https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/tccy/educate-inform1/tccy-ac-advocacy/budget-recommendations-2028.html

09/03/2026

TCCY has released the FY2027-28 Budget Recommendations, an annual report aimed to assist policy makers and communities in advancing systems that uplift and support Tennessee's children, youth and families. Click the link to read and share the full report!
https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/tccy/educate-inform1/tccy-ac-advocacy/budget-recommendations-2028.html

09/03/2026

TCCY would like to thank everyone who attended ETCCY's "Changing the Narrative on Su***de," in Knoxville, TN this week. The event was a huge success!

Speakers and attendees engaged in a powerful conversation about hope, understanding, connection and action surrounding su***de and su***de prevention.

Changing the narrative begins with changing the conversation. Attendees left well equipped to have the difficult conversations, unite and be a part of the change!

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Tennessee Su***de Prevention Network
Covenant Health

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

September is National Recovery Month and Su***de Prevention Awareness Month- a time to remind Tennesseans that recovery is possible, support is available, and no one has to face a difficult moment alone.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 or chat with 988lifeline.org to connect with local Tennessee crisis support. For substance use treatment referrals, call or text the Tennessee REDLINE at 800-889-9789.

08/27/2026

At the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, we see firsthand how much youth mental health and wellbeing are shaped by the digital environments kids grow up in. Time limits, nighttime restrictions, and stronger age verification aren't just policy wins on paper, they're changes that will directly affect the daily lives of Tennessee's children and the families we strive to serve every day.

This is exactly the kind of accountability our children deserve.

Tennessee Attorney General

08/27/2026

TCCY would like to thank everyone who attended ETCCY’s, “Swipe, Text, Treat: Ethics in the Digital and AI Era,” this week.

Audience members explored real-world ethical situations involving minors, caregivers, boundaries, confidentiality, and technology, while gaining tools to navigate gray areas while protecting the safety of children, youth and families in Tennessee.

08/25/2026

TCCY would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Dolly Parton, a Tennessee treasure whose compassion and generosity have illuminated the lives of children, youth and families across the Volunteer State and country. From her humble beginnings in Sevier County to her global stardom, Dolly never forgot where she came from and worked to make sure every child, no matter their background, had opportunities to learn and thrive.

In 1988 she founded the Dollywood Foundation, launching the Buddy Program, which encouraged local middle schoolers to stay in school by offering $500 each upon graduation. The school district’s dropout rates went from 35% to just 6%. A few decades later, inspired by her father’s struggles with literacy, Dolly created the Imagination Library in Sevier County. The monthly book gifting program serves children from birth through 5-years-old and has grown to an international movement, delivering 300 million books worldwide. In 2018 Dolly was recognized at TCCY's Children's Advocacy days with the prestigious John Seigenthaler Media Award.

Her compassion reached far beyond Tennessee’s children and youth. When tragedy struck her home region in 2016 with the devastating wildfires, Dolly started the My People Fund, distributing $1,000 a month for six months to more than 900 affected families. During times of a broader crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, she personally donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University to support vaccine research. Through her foundation, she also helped raise $1 million to expand Sevier County’s hospital and women’s services and continues to provide thousands of dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors from five area high schools.

Dolly’s unwavering dedication reminds us that true greatness lies not only in talent, but in the power to lift others, to nurture dreams, and to build stronger communities.

Thank you, Dolly. Tennessee is richer for your kindness and your legacy will inspire generations to come.

08/25/2026

When communities and families feel secure, children and youth thrive.

08/18/2026

Safe sleep does not take a day off, even when you do.

Whether you are visiting family, staying in a hotel, or on a road trip, your baby still needs to sleep alone, on their back, in a firm, flat space. Pack a portable crib or pack-and-play and set it up wherever you go.

Small choices make a big difference. Learn more at SAFESLEEP.TN.GOV