Opponents claim new child-custody bill ‘treats kids like perps’
The bill passed the state Senate with 22 ayes and 11 noes. It was on the state House of Representatives calendar for April 16 but was not heard. (Noah McLane/Special to The Daily Memphian)
NASHVILLE — Children could be kept in Tennessee Department of Child Services custody for up to six months if they are accused of assaulting a staff member or need treatment that can only be done while in DCS custody.
Senate Bill 1868/House Bill 2526 by state Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, and state Rep. William Lamberth, R-Portland, authorizes a court to order a child remain in DCS custody for up to an additional six months from when they were supposed to be discharged.
The bill disincentivizes what state Sen. Page Walley, R-Bolivar, said were “frequent” attacks on staff, most of whom are women, both scenarios Walley heard while touring the Wilder Youth Development Center in Somerville last year.
This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.
Topics
Tennessee General Assembly Tennessee State Government Jack Johnson Subscriber OnlyThank you for reading The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
Did you know we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization? We rely on a mix of revenue from subscriptions (50%), advertising, events and other earned income (25%) and fundraising (25%).
Please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian today.
👉🏽 Your subscription pays for you to read all our journalism.
👉🏽 Your donation powers the work we do to reach everyone else with the news.
We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. If you agree, join our growing list of donors now.
Noah McLane
Noah McLane reports on the state house for The Daily Memphian. He was born and raised in Tennessee and attended journalism school at Middle Tennessee State University, where his passion for community-focused storytelling began.
Prior to writing for The Daily Memphian, Noah was the editor-in-chief of his college newspaper, worked on general assignment for the Jackson Hole News & Guide in Jackson, Wyoming, and was most recently an editorial intern at the Nashville Scene.
Public Safety on demand
Sign up to receive Public Safety stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Comments
Want to comment on our stories? If you’re a subscriber, scroll down to the comments. If you’re not a subscriber, only paid subscribers can add their thoughts, so subscribe now. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.