A Safety Net of Services for Families

Problems and crises have always been present in our community.  Fortunately, there have also always been citizens who have sympathy and concern for people in trouble.  In 1929, two groups of caring citizens banded together and called themselves the Children's Bureau and the Church Mission of Help.  Over the years, these agencies grew and changed names, but continued to help children at risk.  In 1960, the two agencies joined forces, becoming Child and Family, Inc.

Child and Family (as the Children's Bureau) was first licensed by the Tennessee Department of Public Welfare on May 1, 1936 and has been continuously licensed ever since. At first, services focused on unwed mothers and children, but soon expanded to address a wide array of social services and mental health needs.  In 1974, Child and Family Tennessee opened the first residential care facility in East Tennessee.  The agency also operates the only runaway shelter in the area, providing a safe place for vulnerable youth.

Today, Child & Family Tennessee provides a wide range of services to more than 21,000 residents of the East Tennessee area.  Through over 30 innovative programs and services, over 500,00 lives are touched each year in the 16 county service area.