Four-year-olds Derek and Ethan, and their little sister Racheal, 2, were neglected in their birth home. The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) approached the children’s grandparents about adopting them, knowing that keeping the children together and with family was their best possible option. Linda and Alan did not hesitate to take in their grandkids. They asked that as part of the adoption, the children receive TennCare health insurance so that the mental health scars left by their previous home could be treated and start healing. The children also needed insurance for any unexpected illnesses that might arise.
DCS agreed at first, but then reversed course, leaving the children without coverage. Linda contacted Susanne Bennett, who runs the LEASE program at TJC. Susanne’s intervention and Ms. Begg’s perseverance won TennCare coverage for the children and made it possible for the adoption to go through. Because of TJC’s involvement, Linda and Alan now have the tools to advocate effectively for the kids. The family spent its first Christmas together with the peace of mind and security of knowing that the youngsters’ health care is provided for.