Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-2-314: Commitment of children to homes

Any dependent, neglected or abandoned child or any child without proper parental care or guardianship shall be received in the home by commitment of the juvenile judge wherever the juvenile judge's jurisdiction permits, upon a judgment or decree entered in the court showing that the child is dependent, neglected or abandoned or without proper parental care or guardianship, or is likely to become a public charge.