A recent survey of Tennesseans, 18 years of age and older, found an alarming 373,000 acknowledged having an alcohol or illicit drug addiction. Among youth, ages 12 to 17, around 26,000 admitted to an alcohol and drug dependence. [1] WHAT IS SUBSTANCE ABUSE? Alcoholism and drug dependence and addiction, known as substance use disorders, are complex problems. People with these disorders once were thought to have a character defect or moral weakness; some people mistakenly still believe that.

Nearly two-thirds of children under age 6 have all parents in the labor force, leaving no parent to provide full-time home care \[1\] Over 9,000 Tennessee children are victims of abuse and neglect\[2\] Many seasons of life can be overwhelming, especially the adolescent years. Counseling can help clients navigate the storms and the stress of life. The Therapist’s at the Tennessee Children’s home offer family, individual and group counseling to all the residents and their families.

Almost 18,000 high school students in Tennessee drop out annually\\[1] The percentage of fourth graders in Tennessee who can’t read or do math at grade level stands at 72 percent\\[2] The percentage of eighth graders in Tennessee who can’t read at grade level stands at 72 percent; those who can’t do math at grade level, 75 percent\\[3] The ratio of costs per prisoner to costs per public school pupil in Tennessee is 2.

In a study of home-visit programs, six out of seven early childhood programs that conducted four or more visits per month, on average, and lasted over a year had a positive effect on at least one outcome[1] As part of Tennessee Children’s Home’s commitment to the children and families we serve, TCH provides in-home services to children who have completed our residential care program. Providing emotional support for children returning home and their families is part our commitment to ensure successful results.

A child is abused or neglected in Tennessee every 57 minutes\[1] Approximately 9,000 Tennessee children are in state custody\[2] More than 16,500 Tennessee children are homeless \[3] As the flagship program at Tennessee Children’s Home, our residential care encompasses almost all of the services we provide. We provide for physical, social, emotional, spiritual and educational needs of the children and youth in a safe and secure environment. Children may be placed in our care through the state or through personal placements.

Since 1909, Tennessee Children’s Home has helped restore and strengthen families by spreading the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Our faith-based environment reaches out to at-risk children and families by emphasizing the virtues of a Christian lifestyle. There are three roads a person can take; Wrong Way, Merge or One Way. Many young people in our care have taken the wrong way. Some have tried merging some good and bad choices.