Catholic Charities of East Tennessee
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee is a coalition of service-driven community-centered programs empowered by the grace of Jesus Christ. We help foster the human dignity of the vulnerable in our region through shelter, counseling, education, advocacy, and reverence for life.
CCETN provides services to anyone with demonstrated need, regardless of race, income, or religion; we estimate that fewer than 5 percent of all clients served are Catholic. We welcome opportunities to work collaboratively with other community resources to serve those in need.
Following the example of service Christ lived on Earth, we promise to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We are guided by the principles of Catholic Teaching including reverence for all life, compassion, and integrity for all people.
Services and information
- Other
Requirements to become a foster parent
Foster parents receive help from the Department of Children’s Services, including board rate payments to help offset the cost of care. These rates vary slightly based on the child's age and needs.
Children and teens in foster care also receive state health insurance through SelectKids. The parent helpline is 1-888-422-2963, and there's an online portal for parents.
Kids in care receive a membership ID card, which the DCS Health Advocate Representative has. Each child is also assigned a PCP. Physical and mental health care needs, as well as dental and vision services, are covered.
When you start fostering in Tennessee, you'll receive access to a dedicated Foster Parent Advocate who can answer questions, provide support, and assist you with any grievances and appeals.
Parents must also complete trauma-informed training, which teaches them how to be better caregivers. The training is free, and your agency can help you find and complete the necessary hours. You'll learn most of what you need to know in training, though you'll also want a solid support network.
Foster parents receive access to respite care, which can provide a break when needed. While most parents can leave their children with a babysitter or family member, foster parents must rely on trained, licensed caregivers. Depending on respite care allows parents to address emergencies, relieve stress, etc.
Regular Board Rates (Effective 7/1/2023) Ages Foster Care Adoption Assistance Subsidized Permanent Guardianship Ages 0-11 $29.96/day $29.91/day $29.91/day Ages 12+ $34.35/day $34.30/day $34.30/day Ages 12+ placed on or after 2/15/2023 $50.00/day (permanent placements only) * $34.35/day (for temporary placements) $34.30/day $34.30/day Sibling groups of two or more, regardless of age placed on or after 2/15/23 $50.00/day based on age reflected above based on age reflected above Special Circumstances Board Rates Ages Foster Care Adoption Assistance Subsidized Permanent Guardianship Ages 0-11 $32.95/day $32.90/day $32.90/day Ages 12+ $37.78/day $37.73/day $37.73/day Kinship/ Relative (Expedited) Board Rate Prior to Approved Foster Home Status After Approved Foster Home Status $14.12/day Based on age referenced above Extension of Foster Care Independent Living Allowance Rates Regular Board Rate Graduated Board Rate Age 18-20 Parenting Board Rate Age 18-20 $14.06/day $7.03/day $20.00/day
Effective 2/15/2023 Foster parents will receive a one-time $2,000.00 bonus per child following six consecutive months of placement for children in foster care who are twelve (12) years of age or older or children who are members of sibling groups of two or more children. Foster parents must meet all compliance standards including training requirements at the end of the six-month placement time frame to receive the bonus. *Temporary placements who assume complete care of the child during placement are also eligible for the incentive rate.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
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Jul 04, 2023
Benefit for fallen firefighters. Tickets to go to a benefit singing with the process going to families of survivors of the firefighters
Feb 21, 2022
They are truly a blessing to new parents and woman coping with going thru abortion trauma. I can't say enough good things about them.
Jan 15, 2021
Good place
Nov 22, 2020
Updated review:
I realize that my initial review was pretty harsh. Based off of hurt feelings and miscommunication, with that being said I decided to leave my first review so you could see where I'm coming from. Although ernie and I had issues we were able to resolve it and has since been very kind and gentle when dealing with me. I still believe there is things they can improve on but I'm thankful I can receive help and items for my children
Initial review:
Ernie initially seemed very kind over the phone and helpful with information but in person she is very rude and comes off annoyed and aggressive when she speaks not only to me a pregnant women In need but also her staff and new trainees. I felt very unwelcomed. Also when we entered she gave me and my husband spanish forms to fill out as if we were immigrants from another country just because my skin is brown. They are very strict and ask way too many personal questions for a place that says they want to help people. I did not feel the fruits of the spirit what so ever and if this is a ministry opportunity to speak life into people's hearts whatever their situation is i think they are missing the mark.
Sep 06, 2019
People are super sweet and helpful.