1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I am writing to respectfully urge you to vote NO on HB2526/SB1868, the legislation being considered that would allow foster children who have committed no crime to be classified as “in need of heightened supervision” and placed in juvenile detention facilities. Children in foster care are already among the most vulnerable in our state systems. Many have experienced trauma, family separation, and instability. Placing these children in correctional environments designed for youth who have committed criminal offenses exposes them to additional risk and harm rather than providing the protection and care they need. Other states have learned painful lessons after implementing similar policies. In New Hampshire, foster youth were placed in the Youth Development Center, where widespread abuse later came to light. More than 2,000 victims have since come forward with credible allegations of severe physical and sexual abuse while in state custody. One survivor, David Meehan, was awarded $38 million after describing years of abuse while confined there as a child. Policies that blur the line between child welfare and juvenile justice can carry devastating consequences for children and create significant legal and financial liability for the state. Tennessee has the opportunity to learn from these failures rather than repeat them. I urge you to stand for the safety and dignity of foster children by voting NO on this legislation. Thank you for your time and for your service to the people of Tennessee.