The goal of the Department is to serve school districts in their efforts to ensure equal educational opportunities for all children in Tennessee and equip them with the skills necessary to succeed in higher education, the workplace and society.

The Division of Mental Health Services (DMHS) provides and/or contracts for treatment and support services, particularly those services that complement mental health services provided by TennCare, for adults with a mental illness and children with a serious emotional disturbance.

The Tennessee Department of Education, Division of Special Education's purpose is to "promote educational services and programs for all Tennessee's children with special education needs that will enable them to lead productive and independent lives." The Division is committed to systematic planning along with plan implementation, tracking and accountability as a vehicle for providing the leadership necessary for fulfilling this purpose.

Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee is the state's Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System. The P&A system is comprised of congressionally mandated, legally-based disability rights agencies. P&A agencies have the authority to provide legal representation and other advocacy services, under l federal and state laws, to all people with disabilities (based on a system of priorities for services). All P&As maintain a presence in facilities that care for people with disabilities, where they monitor, investigate and attempt to remedy adverse conditions. These agencies also devote considerable resources to ensuring full access to inclusive educational programs, financial entitlements, health care, accessible housing, community living, and productive employment opportunities.

AUCD formerly UAP(University Affiliated Programs) are authorized by federal legislation to help States and local communities respond to the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families.(AUCDs) serve as a liaison between the academic world and the developmental disabilities service delivery system. AUCDs network with and provide assistance to State Agencies, their local affiliates, and to various nongovermental consumer-based organizations. Most AUCDs provide direct clinical, educational, and other services to individuals and families, or can assist families in finding services.

Parental Support

Parent Training and Information Center that has a library and holds workshops. STEP is a statewide family-to-family program in Tennessee, established in 1989 by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of STEP is to support families by providing free information, advocacy training, and support services to parents of children eligible to receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) who reside in Tennessee.

The Department of Commerce & Insurance bears the complex responsibility of protecting the interests of consumers while providing fair, efficient oversight and a level field of competition for industries and professionals doing business in Tennessee.