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Report Exposes Child Abuse Failures in Tennessee Foster Care

3/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Second Look Commission's 2025 report notes a child used methamphetamine in Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) office and shows a lack of follow-up.
The report states another child in DCS custody was trafficked multiple times.
Representative Aftyn Behn filed a complaint with the Department of Justice.
Marcia Lowry of A Better Childhood says the state is failing foster care.
Behn calls for independent DCS review and leadership changes.

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Story summary

The Second Look Commission's 2025 report notes a child used methamphetamine in Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) office and shows a lack of follow-up.
The report states another child in DCS custody was trafficked multiple times.
Representative Aftyn Behn filed a complaint with the Department of Justice.
Marcia Lowry of A Better Childhood says the state is failing foster care.
Behn calls for independent DCS review and leadership changes.