Our Funding, Expenses and Administration

Q. How much does it cost to operate the Children's Homes a year in both budgeted and unbudgeted costs?

Approximately $7 million

Q. What contributes to the costs of taking care of a child at TBCH?

Several factors contribute to the costs of residential group childcare. These include:

• 2 full-time house parents per cottage (state requirement)
• 1 full-time social worker per 24 children (state requirement)
• 1 full-time program director to supervise 8 individuals (state requirement)
• 1 cottage to house up to 6 children (capacity of 27 cottages at present)
• Counseling costs
• Education costs (fees, supplies, etc.)
• Transportation costs (vehicles, gas, insurance, maintenance)
• Food and clothing
• Insurance (employee health, liability and worker's compensation)
• Commercial standards required by licensing (for example, dishwashers, bulk freezers and lighting must meet commercial standards)

Q. Does TBCH charge a fee for its residential care program?

TBCH does ask for modest financial contributions from a child's family or guardian.

TBCH does not accept state or federal funds. Our current budget is funded from contributions from individuals, churches, income from endowments, investment income, bequests from estates and income from beneficial trusts.

Q. Does TBCH receive government funding for its support?

No, TBCH does not accept state or federal funds in order to teach the children in its care Christian values without restrictions.

Q. Does TBCH have a Board of Trustees?

TBCH has a Board of Trustees of 27 members (9 from each grand division of the state-East, Middle and West) that is elected by the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The trustees oversee the business and financial operation of TBCH.

What you should know about our children

Q. How old are the children cared for by TBCH? Will they return to their parents?

TBCH cares for children in residential care between the ages of 5 and 18 and continues assisting them after graduation from high school while they pursue a college degree or become employed.

The goal of the Children's Home ministry is to reunify the child with their family. Once a stable home environment has been established, a child can return to his or her family.

Q. How many children can TBCH care for in residential care on a daily basis?

Q. How do children come to live at TBCH?

Children and families are referred to TBCH by family members, clergy, school personnel and other agencies. If the child requires services not provided by TBCH, the child or family is referred to appropriate agencies for placement and/or services.

Q. Are only Baptist children cared for by TBCH?

No, children from different denominations as well as those from families without a faith background are cared for by the Children's Homes. TBCH cares for children regardless of race, creed or socio-economic background.