Vanderbilt University's Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics have collaborated to create a program to serve children who are at-risk for or in state custody. The State of Tennessee has designated our program a Center of Excellence for Children in State Custody and our services extend to 39 Middle Tennessee counties.

The COE assists the state in meeting federally required Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) services for children under 21. Our consultation, diagnostic and care plan development services are available to the Department of Children's Services, Department of Health, community providers and Best Practice Network providers involved in the care of children in or at-risk for custody.