Child Arise Tennessee
Supporting children. Strengthening families.
Counseling, mentorship, and community connection for children and caregivers impacted by parental incarceration across Nashville and Tennessee.
501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 33-1723186
Hope, healing, and opportunity for every child
Child Arise Tennessee is dedicated to children and families affected by parental incarceration — because no child should carry that weight alone.
Through trauma-informed care, mentorship, education, and community connection, we work alongside schools, caregivers, and partner organizations to help children build resilience and thrive.
We grow thoughtfully and intentionally — expanding programs as partnerships and capacity allow, always prioritizing meaningful support over duplicating existing services.
Community programs connecting children with mentorship, support, and belonging.
Statewide · Tennessee
We exist for the more than 140,000 Tennessee children who have experienced parental incarceration — offering acceptance, access, and advocacy when they need it most.
Comprehensive support for children and families
Six core service areas — from emotional health to family connection — delivered through trauma-informed care and community partnership across Tennessee.
01
Emotional & Mental Health Support
We connect children and families to trusted mental health resources through schools and community partners — including counseling referrals, group therapeutic supports, school collaboration, and crisis coordination.
02
Mentorship & Life Skills
Consistent relationships and positive role models through mentorship, resilience workshops, and youth leadership development.
03
Academic & College Support
Advocacy and coordination helping families navigate educational systems and access resources for long-term success.
04
Family Connection Services
Strategies to help families stay connected — visitation support, transportation, and communication guidance.
Plus caregiver support and enrichment programs.
Explore all programs“We need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they're falling in.”
The need in our community
Understanding the scope of parental incarceration helps us serve children and families more effectively across Tennessee and the nation.
144,000
children in Tennessee
Approximately 10% of minors in Tennessee have at least one parent incarcerated. Child Arise Tennessee was founded to address the collateral consequences these children face — shame, grief, instability, and educational disruption.
Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation
#3
National ranking for justice-impacted youth
Tennessee tied for third in the nation.
7%
Of American children
Experience parental incarceration during childhood.
<31%
Receive family visits
Less than one-third of people in state prisons receive visits from family or friends.
63%
Held far from home
Of state prisoners are more than 100 miles from their communities.
Every person who serves with us is vetted
Families place their trust in us during vulnerable seasons. We honor that with rigorous screening, training, and safeguards — for every staff member and every volunteer.
No exceptions. No shortcuts. Safety is the foundation of everything we do.
01
Background screening
Comprehensive criminal background checks for every staff member and volunteer before they work with children or families.
02
Reference & identity verification
Professional references and identity confirmation — so the people in our programs are who they say they are.
03
Mandatory safety training
Child protection, trauma-informed care, and program-specific safety protocols required before anyone serves.
04
Ongoing oversight
Supervision, clear conduct standards, and reporting procedures that keep safety active — not a one-time checkbox.