New Tennessee Laws strengthening penalties for Crimes against Children to become effective on Thursday
June 30, 2021
Nashville, TN – Several new laws protecting children are set to take effect on July 1st in Tennessee. This includes major Truth in Sentencing legislation ensuring parole and probation are not options for those found guilty of certain violent crimes that historically target women and children.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Commissioner Jennifer Nichols urge everyone to report suspected Child Abuse, Neglect during Coronavirus Pandemic
April 2, 2020
Child Abuse and Neglect are Potential Collateral Damages of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Nashville, TN – On Wednesday, April 1st, 2020, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee joined Department of Children’s Services Commissioner Jennifer Nichols to call on all Tennesseans to pay extra attention to the children in their lives and in their communities as the response to stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) could lead to an increase in child abuse and neglect and a decrease in reported allegations.
Bill Haslam Announces National Guard Youth Challenge Program
June 22, 2016
Alternative Residential Program part of Governor’s Public Safety Action Plan
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam today announced with Major General Max Haston of the Department of Military and Department of Children’s Services (DCS) Commissioner Bonnie Hommrich that Tennessee has been approved by the U.S. Department of Defense for a National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program.
TBI reports Benton County Man Arrested for Abuse, Death of Infant
August 26, 2014
Jackson, TN – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation yielded warrants that led to the arrest today of a 25-year old Benton County man, charged with first degree murder and aggravated child abuse of a seven-month-old child.
On August 22nd, 2014, at the request of 24th District Attorney Hansel McAdams, TBI Special Agents, with the assistance of deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Children’s Services, investigated the death of Joseph Hilliard.

Westlee Waylon Yates from Benton County was arrested Monday, August 25th for murder and abuse of a seven month old child.
Tennessee Governor, Commissioners announce Strategic Plan To Tackle Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic
June 12, 2014
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam joined Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) Commissioner E. Douglas Varney and others today to announce “Prescription for Success,” the state’s plan to prevent and treat prescription drug abuse in Tennessee.
Prescription drug abuse is a pervasive, multi-dimensional issue impacting Tennessee individuals, families, and communities. Of the 4,850,000 adults in Tennessee, it is estimated that nearly 5 percent (about 221,000) have used pain relievers, also known as prescription opioids, in the past year for non-medical purposes. Of those, it is estimated that 69,100 are addicted to prescription opioids and require treatment for prescription opioid abuse.
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