Lawsuit: Tennessee DCS

“A Tennessee state lawmaker is calling on federal officials to launch a sweeping investigation into the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS), citing what she describes as decades of documented failures and alleged civil rights violations affecting families across the state.

State Rep. Aftyn Behn announced she has submitted 14 civil rights complaints to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, urging federal authorities to examine the agency’s practices and determine whether DCS is complying with federal law.

According to Behn, the complaints span multiple Tennessee counties and involve families who say they have exhausted every available avenue for assistance.

The complaints outline a range of allegations, including the denial of services for children with disabilities, retaliation against parents and foster families who filed complaints, and the falsification of case records

The lawmaker’s request also details allegations that some children were removed from their homes without proper legal procedures and that multiple children were sexually assaulted while placed in DCS-certified homes and facilities.

Behn’s letter references a 2024 federal review that found Tennessee DCS failed to meet key child welfare requirements related to placement stability. She is now asking federal officials to investigate whether the agency is violating federal civil rights protections, including laws protecting individuals with disabilities and prohibiting discrimination based on race or national origin.

“Are you going to reform DCS? Are you going to fire Commissioner Quinn?” Behn asked while discussing the agency’s future accountability. “We look forward to working with these families for the next few months.”

FOX 17 News reached out to both the Governor’s Office and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services for comment regarding the complaints.

In previous statements, a DCS spokesperson said the department cannot comment on specific cases involving children but emphasized that the agency takes the safety and well-being of children seriously and cooperates with oversight agencies.”

Aftyn Behn calls for federal investigation into Tennessee Department of Children’s Service
[Fox 17 6/22/26 by Hope Salman]

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