Children - As enacted, clarifies, in the context of juvenile courts and proceedings, who constitutes a "dependent and neglected child." - Amends TCA Title 37.

This bill clarifies the legal definition of a "dependent and neglected child" within Tennessee's juvenile court system. It specifies that a child must be in need at the time a court petition is filed, rather than at any other point in time. Additionally, the law now recognizes that a child's condition of want or suffering can result from the parent's or guardian's inability to provide treatment for the child's mental health or substance abuse issues, provided the parent is not at fault. These changes apply to all juvenile court proceedings occurring on or after July 1, 2024.