Foster families: first-aid and CPR standards
First Aid & CPR Tennessee
Becoming a foster family in Tennessee means offering a safe, temporary home to a child who cannot live with their own family. Among the requirements to complete for approval: holding current CPR and first-aid training.
The first-aid requirement
In Tennessee, the Department of Children's Services (DCS) requires foster parents to complete CPR and first-aid training as part of pre-approval training and to renew it biennially, within two years of the date on the certificate. The training equips carers to respond to common emergencies — injuries, choking, cardiac arrest — and is delivered by a recognized provider.
This requirement is recognized by DCS under its foster home approval and in-service training policies, and is typically completed in person. The certificate is one requirement in addition to the home study and assessment of parenting suitability, and must be kept current; medical professionals holding a healthcare-provider certification may be exempt.
How to meet it
A recognized, up-to-date first-aid and CPR certificate meets this requirement. It is in addition to the required training or assessment, and is renewed periodically.
Training aligned with the latest emergency-care standards
Our CPR, AED and first-aid training is developed in line with the most recent international guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and first aid.
We rigorously follow the recommendations of ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation), the international body responsible for the scientific evaluation and development of global resuscitation standards. These recommendations serve as a reference for health organizations, institutions and professional orders worldwide — and are updated as scientific and clinical evidence evolves.
Keep your skills current with confidence
Every intervention can make a difference. Keeping CPR and emergency-care skills current is both a professional requirement and a responsibility toward patients, colleagues and the public.
See the recognized first-aid courses in your regionReferences
- Tennessee DCS Policy 16.4 — Foster Home Selection and Approval
- Tennessee DCS Policy 16.9 — Required Foster Parent In-Service Training
- ILCOR — International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Content is being updated.