Tennessee Code Title 37. Juveniles § 37-5-304

(a) The commissioner is authorized to establish community services agencies as provided in this part. These agencies shall provide coordination of funds or programs for the care of the citizens of the state.

(b) The commissioner may establish one (1) community services agency in the metropolitan area of Memphis and Shelby County.

(c) The commissioner may establish multi-county community service agencies with such geographic boundary lines as may be deemed necessary.

(d) The community services agency shall be a political subdivision and instrumentality of the state. As such, it shall be deemed to be acting in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state in the performance of essential public functions, and shall be deemed to be serving a public purpose through improving and otherwise promoting the well-being of the citizens of the state.