1. (1) Understanding the Parents.

   1. (a) Children’s feelings for their own family must be respected regardless of their heritage or the unsuitability of the surroundings in which they may have lived.
   2. (b) Staff must try to strengthen the child’s ties with his/her family when appropriate, recognizing that it is very difficult for the child to be away from his/her parents and for parents to be separated from their child.
   3. (c) Discussion and planning sessions must include children, parents, and other appropriate parties when it is feasible.

Authority: T.C.A. §§4-5-226(b)(2); 14-10-101; 37-1-603; 37-1-612; 37-5-101; 37-5-105; 37-5-106 and 37-5- 112(a). Administrative History: Original rule filed April 4, 1979, effective May 21, 1979. Repeal and new rule filed December 30, 1986, effective February 13, 1987. Rule assigned a new control number, removed and renumbered from 1240-4-5-.08 filed and effective March 25, 1999.