Tennessee Relative Caregiver Program Faces Waitlist Backlog
Families seeking financial support for child care are seeing delays as more than 1,000 people wait for available program slots.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Child Care
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Tennessee families seeking financial support for child care are facing delays as the Relative Caregiver Program hits capacity. Over 1,000 people are currently on a statewide waitlist for the monthly stipends provided by the Department of Children's Services.
Why it matters
Raising a child to age 18 can cost $300,000, creating significant financial strain for households caring for relatives. The program serves as a critical bridge for these families, but current funding levels leave many waiting for available spots.
The Department of Children's Services manages 3,100 funded slots across Tennessee. In the 14-county region surrounding Rutherford County, there are 826 funded slots and 64 children currently on the waiting list.
The players
Tennessee Department of Children's Services
The state agency responsible for child welfare, foster care, and managing financial support programs for relative caregivers.
Margie Quin
The Commissioner of the Department of Children's Services working with lawmakers to expand stipend funding.
University of Tennessee
A public research institution partnering with state agencies to develop kinship navigator tools and program initiatives.
The details
The Relative Caregiver Program provides monthly stipends to eligible households to help offset the costs of raising children. Enrollment for these slots occurs on a first-come, first-served basis as capacity becomes available. To improve accessibility, the Department of Children's Services is currently evaluating program operations and developing a kinship navigator tool in partnership with the University of Tennessee.
Timeline
2026: A LendingTree report detailed the rising costs of raising children.
June 2026: Shanna Schofield relocated to Tennessee.
2027: The proposed timeline for securing additional legislative funding.
The Home Front
This stipend backlog highlights the widening gap between the high cost of raising a child, estimated at $300,000, and available state-level support. Families are navigating this shortfall at a time when household expenses are increasingly driven by childcare and essential support needs.
Families currently participating in or applying for the program should regularly verify their status through official Department of Children's Services channels. If you are a relative caregiver, contact the agency to confirm if you meet the eligibility criteria for future openings.
The takeaway
Securing financial assistance requires proactive planning as state-funded slots remain limited. Keep documentation of your household's caregiving status ready to streamline the enrollment process when funding capacity expands.
Further reading
Find more resources for local families in the Child Care section.
More information
Access additional support information through the University of Tennessee research and resource tools.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF).
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