Tennessee Families Face Relative Caregiver Program Waitlists
Over 1,000 residents statewide are waiting for monthly stipends as officials seek additional funding for the program.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Child Care
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Tennessee families providing care for relatives are experiencing long wait times to access the state's Relative Caregiver Program. The Department of Children's Services maintains 3,100 funded slots statewide, leaving more than 1,000 people on a waiting list.
Why it matters
Raising a child is a significant financial commitment, with research estimating costs reach $300,000 by age 18. Stipends are intended to provide critical financial relief to kin caregivers, but current funding levels remain insufficient to meet the demand.
The Department of Children's Services currently funds 3,100 statewide slots, including 826 in the 14-county region surrounding Rutherford County. Despite these resources, 64 children in that specific region remain on the program's waiting list.
The players
Margie Quin
As the Commissioner of the Department of Children's Services, she is working with state lawmakers to address funding gaps.
Department of Children's Services
This state agency is responsible for overseeing the Relative Caregiver Program and managing stipend distributions.
University of Tennessee
The university partners with state agencies on federally funded initiatives related to child welfare and family support.
The details
Enrollment in the program operates on a first-come, first-served basis as funding becomes available. The Department of Children's Services is actively evaluating program operations and developing a kinship navigator tool to assist families with their needs.
Timeline
2026: A LendingTree report detailed the high costs associated with raising children to age 18.
June 2026: Resident Shanna Schofield moved to Tennessee.
2027: The state is targeting this year to secure additional program funding.
Culture Shift
The financial struggle for kin caregivers reflects broader challenges identified in the 2026 LendingTree report on the costs of raising a child. These findings highlight how household budget pressures continue to outpace available support systems.
Families struggling with the costs of child-rearing may face extended financial strain while waiting for open stipend spots. Residents are encouraged to monitor funding developments for potential changes to enrollment availability.
The takeaway
Accessing state support requires monitoring as slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Families should look for updates from the Department of Children's Services regarding potential funding increases in the coming year.
What happens next
Commissioner Margie Quin is working with lawmakers to secure additional program funding by 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on family support resources, visit Tennessee Child Care.
More information
Explore further support tools and data through the University of Tennessee research and resource tools.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF).
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Should states increase funding for relative caregiver programs to keep children out of foster care?
