Use of Advertising and Facilitators in Adoptive Placements - Tennessee

Use of Advertisement

Citation: Ann. Code § 36-1-108(a)(2)

Only a licensed child-placing agency, a licensed clinical social worker, prospective adoptive parents, or a lawyer who is subject to the Tennessee supreme court rules regarding lawyer advertising may advertise for the placement of children for adoption in this State.

In order to advertise for the placement of children for adoption in Tennessee, out-of-State licensed child-placing agencies, licensed clinical social workers, or lawyers must meet the following requirements:

• Be authorized to do business in this State under respective licensing laws
• Maintain a physical office within this State or incur expenses involved in the transportation of a licensing consultant to the closest physical office of the agency, social worker, or lawyer

Any advertisement in this State for the placement of children for adoption in another State by an agency or individual not licensed or authorized to do such business in this State shall clearly state that the agency or individual is not licensed or authorized to do such business in this State.

Use of Intermediaries/Facilitators

Citation: Ann. Code § 36-1-108(a)(1)

No person, corporation, agency, or other entity, except the Department of Children's Services or a licensed child-placing agency or licensed clinical social worker, shall engage in the placement of children for adoption.

This section shall not be construed to prohibit any person from advising parents of a child or prospective adoptive parents in making necessary arrangements for adoption as long as no remuneration, fees, contributions, or things of value are given or received from any person or entity for such service other than usual and customary legal and medical fees.