NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 21, 2025) — A class-action lawsuit filed this week shines a powerful light on the overwhelming challenges facing Tennessee’s foster care system. The case, filed on behalf of 13 youth and seeking to represent all 9,000 children in state custody, details heartbreaking conditions—children denied education, healthcare, and stability, while often cycling through unsafe institutions or repeated placements.
The lawsuit outlines a system under enormous pressure, despite increased investments in recent years. The Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and state leaders have made notable efforts to improve care through new funding and staffing initiatives. But as this week’s legal filings show, the scale and urgency of the need continue to outpace those efforts.
Jonathan’s Path, a local nonprofit working directly with teenagers in foster care and those aging out, we are in agreement that reform is needed and believe community partnerships must be part of the solution.
“We know firsthand how hard this work is. The state has a monumental responsibility, and change doesn’t happen overnight,” said Carrie DuRard, Executive Director of Jonathan’s Path. “But we also know that nonprofits like ours can play a vital role in accelerating progress.”
Jonathan’s Path serves youth ages 13–25 who are aging out of foster care, providing housing support, life skills, access to job training, mental, physical and medical services, and other critical services. We stand in the gaps, so our youth don’t fall through the cracks. Many of these young people have faced the very circumstances described in the lawsuit—frequent moves, delays in health services, and lack of educational support. Jonathan’s Path is helping to change that trajectory.
Despite being honored with the Governor’s Award of Excellence, the organization was excluded from this year’s state budget—a loss of critical funding at a time when community-based programs are more necessary than ever.
“We’re not here to criticize—we’re here to help,” said DuRard. “What we’re asking for is support to do what we know works: provide stability, healing, and opportunity to the young people who need it most.”
Jonathan’s Path is actively seeking funding to:
- Open housing to reduce instability and help youth build permanent roots
- Expand services offered by The Path Line to provide: fast access to physical, mental, and dental care so that needs are met before they become crisis. Offer private tutoring and academic planning to help teens catch up and stay on track
- Build strong relationships and life skills that prepare youth for adulthood
Unlike many programs that age out at 18 or 21, Jonathan’s Path and access to The Path Line stays with youth through the critical early years of adulthood. Our goal is not just to provide services—but to walk the path with them, empowering them to thrive long after they leave our care. “Our youth often refer to Jonathan’s Path as their family. We’re here to offer a hand up and family-base which we all need,” says Juleesia Santiago-Karim, Program Director of Jonathan’s Path.
The organization calls on state leaders, agencies, and advocates to continue working together and include frontline organizations and youth voices in reform efforts. “We believe in a better path forward—and we’re building it every day,” Santiago-Karim added. “Together, we can ensure no child falls through the cracks.”
To learn more or schedule a conversation, visit www.jonathanspath.org or contact hello@jonathanspath.org.
