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Foster Parents Support

We’re honored to stand by your side

We work with foster parents across the state to get the best health care possible for children and teens in custody with the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). We’re here to help keep them healthy, safe and on track.

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A little extra something with SelectKids

We’re here to help foster parents get the care their children need. Children and teens in state custody get most of the same TennCare℠ benefits. That includes free checkups and follow-up care until age 21.

You can see more details about your child’s benefits in this booklet.

SelectKids Resource Parent Booklet

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A boy with Down syndrome hugs his little brother A boy with Down syndrome hugs his little brother

Here's how we work with you and your DCS team:

Getting Started (Immediate Eligibility)

When your child comes into DCS custody, we receive a fax or email. Children that aren't officially eligible yet get 45 days of immediate eligibility. We enter your child into our system. And let their DCS representative know within 48 hours.

Two copies of your child’s ID card are then sent to that same rep. One goes in your child’s file, and you’ll get the other. Need a replacement? Your DCS Family Services Worker can order it for you. You can also print a temporary ID card if you login to BlueAccess (top right).

Finding a Provider

We assign your child's primary care provider (PCP). The PCP’s name is listed on your child's Member ID card. We can also help find a new PCP if your child is relocated or another change needs to be made.

If you need to find a new provider in your network, you can use our Find Care tool. And if your provider needs an eligibility fax, you can call 1-888-422-2963.

If you need to find a new provider in your network, you can use our Find Care tool. And if your provider needs an eligibility fax, you can call 1-888-422-2963.

Health Care Coordination

Children and teens in state custody may have complex health needs. We work with DCS in getting the right care – including finding a specialist or helping make appointments. We have special health programs for extra support.

We also participate in:
  • Child and family team meetings
  • Center of Excellence case reviews
  • Well-being triage and/or utilization reviews

Other Ways We Can Help

  • Setting up visits to the doctor
  • Providing your medical records and history
  • Helping with DCS appeals
  • Reporting on who qualifies for TennCare Kids exams
  • Reporting on who needs those exams

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Health and Wellness History Notebook

Want a helpful notebook for storing important health records?
Just call us at 1-888-422-2963 or send us an email. Want a helpful notebook for storing important health records?
Just call us at 1-888-422-2963 or send us an email.

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Our partnership with DCS

We coordinate the health care coverage for your foster child. And DCS takes care of everything else. You may have more questions or need additional help outside of health care. If you do, you can always ask your caseworker, call the hotline or go to the website.

Visit DCS website
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