Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0340 - Commission on Children and Youth
Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0340 pertains to the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY). This title outlines the administrative rules and regulations that govern the operations, responsibilities, and specific programs of this state agency.
Overall Purpose of the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY):
The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth is an independent, nonpartisan state agency with a primary mission of advocacy for improving the quality of life for Tennessee children and families. Established by the Tennessee General Assembly, TCCY serves several key functions:
Advocacy and Policy Guidance: TCCY is the state's centralized informational resource and advocacy agency, providing timely, fact-based information to aid policymaking and coordination of resources. They track legislation and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on issues affecting children and youth.
Coordination of Services: They work to improve the coordination of services for children and families across various state agencies, juvenile courts, and other child-serving organizations.
Data and Research: TCCY collects and disseminates statistical and programmatic information on the well-being of children and youth in Tennessee, often through publications like their annual "State of the Child" report and county profiles. This data helps inform policy and budget recommendations.
Grant Administration: TCCY administers federal and state grant funds for juvenile justice programs, including the Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act and the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant. They also oversee CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) grants.
Ombudsman Program: TCCY houses an Ombudsman Program to address complaints and concerns related to child-serving systems.
Specific Councils and Initiatives: TCCY staffs and leads various councils and initiatives focused on specific issues, such as:
The Council on Children's Mental Health.
The Home Visiting Leadership Alliance.
The Youth Transitions Advisory Council.
The Young Child Wellness Council.
The Second Look Commission (which reviews cases of severe child abuse).
Public Education and Engagement: They inform citizens and organizations about children's issues and engage the public through regional councils and events like Children's Advocacy Days.
Key Chapters within Title 0340 - Commission on Children and Youth:
Based on available information, Title 0340 appears to be structured with the following chapters:
Chapter 0340-01 - Reserved: This chapter is currently reserved, meaning it is either awaiting future regulations or previously contained rules that have since been repealed.
Chapter 0340-02 - Reserved: Similar to Chapter 0340-01, this chapter is also reserved.
Chapter 0340-03 - State Juvenile Justice Supplements: This is the primary active chapter within Title 0340. It outlines the rules and regulations for the administration of state funds provided to counties to supplement and improve juvenile court services. Key areas within this chapter include:
Purpose of State Juvenile Justice Supplements: Defines why these funds are provided.
Youth Services Officers: Specifies requirements for counties to employ or have in their employ Youth Services Officers to be eligible for funds. This includes qualifications (e.g., educational background in criminal justice or social sciences) and duties of these officers, who often work to provide alternatives to detention for children.
Allowable and Disallowable Expenditures: Details what the State Juvenile Justice Supplement funds can and cannot be used for (e.g., funding alternative placements, transportation services, emergency foster homes, runaway/emergency shelters, home detention, crisis intervention).
Joint Projects of Counties: Provisions for counties to collaborate on projects using these funds.
Application Process: Procedures for counties to apply for these supplements, including deadlines and review processes.
Contract with the State: Requirements for counties to enter into a contract with TCCY.
Reporting Requirements: Mandates for counties to submit quarterly reports on expenditures and officer activities.
Record Keeping: Requirements for maintaining records related to the use of funds.
In essence, Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0340, particularly Chapter 0340-03, provides the regulatory framework that enables the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth to administer critical state funds aimed at improving juvenile court services and promoting the well-being and development of children and youth across Tennessee. While the agency's mission is broad, its explicit rules within this title focus on the administration of these specific juvenile justice programs.
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