Glossary
Dependency and Neglect
A juvenile court case alleging that a child is not receiving proper care, often brought after a report to the Department of Children's Services.
Also called: DCS case
Dependency and neglect proceedings begin in juvenile court, frequently after an investigation by the Department of Children’s Services. The question before the court is whether the child is dependent or neglected as Tennessee law defines those terms.
These cases move quickly, and the early stages matter disproportionately. Temporary placement decisions made at a preliminary hearing can persist for months, and what a parent says or signs during an investigation becomes part of the record.
Relatives often have a role. Tennessee generally prefers placement with suitable family members over foster care, but a relative who wants to be considered usually has to take a step to be heard rather than waiting to be asked.
General information about Tennessee law, not legal advice. How this applies depends on the facts of your matter.
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