Microsoft Low-Code Solutions Tackle Foster Care Crisis in Tennessee

The Contingent, a non-profit organization focused on improving outcomes for children in foster care, has developed a web platform using Microsoft low-code and AI solutions to streamline the process of recruiting and enrolling foster families. The platform, called Every Child Tennessee, was built in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Children's Services.

Data suggests that only 5% of the U.S. population would consider becoming a foster family, and only 1% would follow through. To meet this need, The Contingent implemented new strategies using Microsoft Azure, Power Automate, Dataverse, and Power BI to create Every Child Tennessee.

The platform features a custom CRM built with Microsoft Power Apps that holds records for every potential foster parent, which are automatically created through an online inquiry. Staff assign 'lead scores' to high-intent individuals and those who would meet the biggest gaps, such as homes willing to take in children with higher behavioral needs.

Power Automate then distributes leads among the Department of Children's Services and other foster placement organizations. The Contingent used GitHub Copilot to custom-build a portal in Azure App Service for each organization, prioritizing the views and dashboards they need for their work. Each organization's portal draws from the same Dataverse source, ensuring everyone gets complete, verified information.