How to Become a Foster Parent in South Dakota

Quotes about foster care

How to Become a Foster Parent in South Dakota

Close to 400,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system, and the numbers are on the rise. Yet, the path to becoming a foster parent in South Dakota can often seem unclear. FosterUSKids.org is your source for information and guidance, connecting you with a local South Dakota agency to simplify becoming a foster parent.

HOW TO FOSTER: A SIX-STEP GLANCE

There are six steps to complete before you can bring a child into your home as a licensed foster parent in South Dakota:

1. Request Information About Fostering – 
   FosterUSKids puts the South Dakota foster care and adoption agencies at your fingertips.
2. Attend an Orientation Meeting for Foster Parenting –
   Learn more about the foster parent journey: how to become a foster parent, the characteristics of kids in foster care, and state foster care rules and regulations.
    
3. Submit a Foster Parent Application –
   Your agency’s social workers will help you with the required documentation, background checks, personal references, and state-specific criteria.
    
4. Attend Pre-Service Training –
   Around 30 hours of formal parent training cover essential topics from what to expect to trauma-informed foster care.
    
5. Complete an Assessment and Home Study –
   This vital process includes a home visit and interviews with social workers to ensure you are a good fit and ready to be matched with a foster child.
    
6. Receive Your Foster License –
   The typical 3 to 6-month process results in getting your foster family license and then welcoming a foster child into your home!

Parenting is a rewarding journey marked by commitment and growth. For foster children in South Dakota, the search is not for a perfect parent but someone they can count on for love, care, and a stable home – a foundation that will make a life-altering difference.

We at FosterUSKids are grateful you are on the path to learning more. Contact a South Dakota child-placing agency for detailed guidance through every step.

Requirements to Foster in South Dakota

Foster parents receive support from the South Dakota Department of Social Services. A local CPS office assists parents through the application process.

The organizations South Dakota Kids Belong and Stronger Families Together recruit, train, and support foster families. America’s Kids Belong aims to change the lives of foster children by raising awareness and improving experiences. They do so by pushing for change and encouraging community engagement.

South Dakota Kids Belong also connects parents with resources such as faith communities, foster-friendly businesses, etc. Plus, parents can access discounts and services for foster families through the program.

Tribal Foster Care Programs are also available to help protect the interests of Indian kids in the child welfare system.

Foster FAQs for South Dakota

Deciding to foster or adopt is a big decision, and you likely have questions. It's crucial to go into the process knowing what to expect and prepare yourself and your family for any obstacles ahead.

Here are some FAQs that should help.

Why Are Some Kids in Foster Care Longer Than Others?

Many factors contribute to the time a child spends in foster care. Those with specific medical or behavioral needs may remain in care longer if there is no family to care for them.

Much also depends on the birth parents and whether they can address safety issues in a timely manner. Some foster children are placed in care when their parents become hospitalized or incarcerated as well, meaning the reunification timeline may be affected.

Children often enter foster care with siblings, and the ideal outcome is usually to place siblings together. However, this isn't always possible and can contribute to a sibling group waiting longer for a placement.

What Is Aging Out of the Foster Care System?

Foster kids who become legal adults in foster care and haven't achieved permanency will "age out" of the system. In South Dakota, foster youth can remain in the system until age 20.

Unfortunately, many of these young adults lack the support or skills to adequately care for themselves. They may not be able to hold steady jobs or afford safe housing.

Do I Need a Large House or a Certain Income?

You don't need to own a large home to foster or adopt. Renters can foster as well, though they may want to speak with their landlord first.

The key requirement is that the child has their own bed and space for personal belongings. Having a spare bedroom is a definite plus for many foster children as it provides more privacy, but it isn't necessary.

South Dakota's Children Are Counting on You

These basics of how to become a foster parent in South Dakota should put you on the right path. Now that you understand the process and the state requirements more, you can take the next step. Contact your local Department of Social Services or find an approved foster care agency near you and let them know you're interested.

Foster agencies in South Dakota

Select My Foster Agency in South Dakota

General Foster FAQs

General Statistics About Foster Care

• 1,647

  There are 1,647 kids in South Dakota's foster care system

• 7

  Is the Average age of a child in South Dakota's foster care

• 13

  Is how long a child on average will stay in foster care in South Dakota's

• 7

  Is the average age for a child in South Dakota foster care in 2021

Perhaps you've wondered how dire the need is for foster families or if one household will make a difference. Even one parent showing these children love and support can put them on a better path and give them a chance at a successful future.

You can make a difference in their lives. Here are some recent statistics that prove how desperately South Dakota children need people like you:

• There are 1,647 children in South Dakota's foster care
• 485 were awaiting adoption as of September 30th, 2021
• 439 had all parental rights terminated
• The median age of foster youth is seven years old
• 47% of foster youth live in a foster home (non-relative)
• 63% of case plan goals are to reunite the child and their parents
• The goal in 24% of cases is to find someone to adopt the child
• Kids spend a median time of 13.3 months in care
• The median age of children awaiting adoption is eight years old

Remember, you don't have to be perfect to become a parent. Any help you can offer, especially by opening your home, can reduce the strain on the foster care system and give these kids a better experience.

Listening to some personal stories and the voices of foster youth can help you realize what a difference one family can make.

Support Services for Foster Parents in South Dakota

Applicants interested in fostering must meet the state's eligibility requirements. In South Dakota, that means parents must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Live in a safe and stable household
• Have enough space and a bed for the child
• Be in good health mentally and physically
• Have a stable job and a reliable income
• All adults must pass a background check
• Your residence has to pass an inspection
• Complete the 30 training hours
• Pass the home study

A foster parent's responsibility is to provide a temporary and stable environment for South Dakota's children in care. You can rent or own your residence, but the environment has to be child-safe.

Single and married applicants can apply. If you're married, you must be married for at least one year before becoming a foster parent. Parents with partners must be in a stable relationship.

Parenting experience isn't required, although it helps. Also, applicants can be childless or have children of their own at home.

Anyone that meets the basic requirements can apply through the Department of Social Services and by contacting a representative or by reaching out to a licensed child-placing agency.

You'll provide some information, such as your name, contact info, and preferences. A foster care representative or advocate will contact you afterward and discuss expectations, responsibilities, etc. Interested applicants can then attend an informational meeting and start the licensing process.

NOW IS THE TIME TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT IN South Dakota

Every day in South Dakota, children from all age groups enter foster care, some with no belongings of their own, all without an adult they can depend on. Every South Dakota kid needs a soft place to land and a place to call home. Whether you can offer temporary care or become a forever family, your interest could mean a brighter, more secure future for a child in South Dakota.

Still undecided? An South Dakota child-placing agency is here to guide you, providing answers about stipends, coaching, therapy resources, and foster parent training.

Take the next step: Begin your parenting journey by fostering an South Dakota child today.