Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-3-604: Control of indigent children

The children referred to in § 71-3-603 shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction and control of the board until they become eighteen (18) years of age. The board may, in its discretion, require the parents of such indigent children to surrender all right and claim to the control of them, and to consent for the asylum to provide homes for them, by adoption by proper and suitable parties, for the purpose of caring for and educating them, teaching them trades and household duties generally.