Baughman v. Department of Public Welfare

In this opinion David J. Baughman and wife Lottie W. Baughman will be referred to as “Petitioner,” and The Department of Public Welfare of the State of Tennessee as “Department.”

The Department as an arm of the State Government receives into its care a great many children, who are or might become eligible for adoption. In this regard the Department is charged by law with certain responsibilities, which of necessity require time in order that proper homes may be selected for the children, and in some cases proper legal surrender made of the child. In carrying out these responsibilities the…