1. (1) The Plan shall be a written document, which is a discrete part of the case record, in a format determined by the Department, which is developed jointly with the parent(s) or legal guardian of the child in foster care;
2. (2) The Plan shall be developed within thirty (30) days of the date of foster care placement;
3. (3) The Plan shall include goal(s) for each child as defined by Tenn. Code. Ann. § 37-2- 403(a)(1)(A) and statement of responsibilities between the parents, the Department and the Department’s caseworker. Such statements shall include the responsibilities of each party in specific terms and shall be reasonably related to the achievement of the goal(s). The statement shall include the definitions of “abandonment” and “abandonment of an infant” contained in Tenn. Code. Ann. § 36-1-102 and the criteria and procedures for termination of parental rights. Each party shall sign the statement and be given a copy of the Plan;
4. (4) The Plan shall be submitted to the court for review, modification, and ratification or approval within sixty (60) days of the date of foster care placement. The parents or legal guardians of the child shall receive notice to appear at the court review of the Plan;
5. (5) The Plan shall include a description of the services offered and provided to reunify the family;
6. (6) The Plan for any child in foster care for six (6) months or longer as a result of abuse or neglect that includes return of the child to the parent or legal guardian as a permanency goal may also include a requirement that the parent complete trauma-informed education before the child is returned to the parent or legal guardian, which may be completed by electronic means; and
7. (7) The Plan shall document the steps to finalize a placement when the case plan goal is or becomes adoption or placement in another permanent home in accordance with sections 475(1)(E) and (5)(E) of the Social Security Act. When the case plan goal is adoption, at a minimum, such documentation shall include child-specific recruitment efforts such as the use of State, Tribal, regional, and national adoption exchanges.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 37-2-403 and 37-5-105 and 45 C.F.R. 1356.21(g). Administrative History: Emergency rule filed May 12, 2010; effective through November 8, 2010. Original rule filed May 25, 2010; effective October 29, 2010. Amendments filed April 3, 2025; effective July 2, 2025.