South Dakota Foster Care: Resources For Foster Parents
Foster families and foster parents play an important role in the lives of many South Dakota children. As a foster parent, you have a chance to improve children’s lives.
In this blog, we’ll answer some important questions about fostering. We’ll outline the basic requirements, provide information about agencies, and highlight the special needs for Native American children in the foster care system.
South Dakota residents have free access to Trualta resources on caregiving and related topics. Use this link if you live in another state and want to see if you can also access the resources for free.
Are You Thinking Of Becoming A Foster Parent?
Before becoming a foster parent, you need to understand the role. You can then make an informed decision about taking in a foster child. Here are some answers to common questions for a potential foster family:
How Do Kids End Up In The Foster Care System?
A child may enter the foster care system after the death of a parent or guardian. Many need foster families because their own home is no longer safe due to neglect, abuse, or other factors.
Do Foster Parents Have To Have A Lot Of Money?
You don’t need to be wealthy or have a large house to be a foster parent. Foster care looks for a safe environment for foster placement, not material factors.
What Is The Role Of A Foster Parent?
Foster parents provide stability in a safe environment for a foster youth. The goals are to help the child and their families heal, reconnect families when possible, and transition kids to adulthood.
Can A Foster Family Become An Adoptive Family?
Yes, you can apply for the adoption of your foster child. Typically, the child must live with you for at least six months before you can become a permanent adoptive parent.
What Are The Foster Care Requirements In South Dakota?
The foster care system takes placements seriously. There are certain requirements for foster families. Foster parents must also go through 30 hours of training before receiving a placement. These are the basic South Dakota Department of Social Services requirements for becoming a licensed foster home:
- A foster parent must be at least 21 years old.
- They must have a safe home.
- Foster families must have enough income to care for a child, but they also receive monthly assistance.
- Foster families must undergo a criminal and sexual offender background check.
- Foster parents must complete the required training.
The South Dakota Department of Social Services offers these resources to help you learn more about the foster care system. Use this as a starting point for applying to become a foster parent.
Working With South Dakota Child Placement Agencies
A foster and adoption agency connects families with children in need. Some agencies focus more on foster placements, while others offer adoption services. Any family interested in fostering or adopting can benefit from working with an agency.
These are some of the child placement agencies registered in South Dakota:
Native American Foster Homes In South Dakota
South Dakota has a large population of Native Americans. According to a report in the South Dakota Searchlight, Native American Children account for nearly 75% of children in the state’s foster care system.
Placing these children poses some challenges. The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 was passed in response to the high number of children being removed from their tribes and communities. The law ensures that Native children are placed with families or within their communities whenever possible.
Only 11% of licensed current foster families in South Dakota are Native American. This means children may be placed in non-Native homes or in Native homes far from their own communities. The foster care system needs more Native American foster families. If you’re a Native American, consider applying to tribal foster care programs.
Support & Resources For South Dakota Foster Parents
Once you become a foster parent, the state will provide some financial support. You may also need other types of support. The Department of Social Services and many of the placement agencies offer resources you can use.
South Dakota Kids Belong has many resources for people in the foster care system. These include the ability to connect with other foster families, trauma awareness training, and a list of foster-friendly local businesses.
Fostering children in South Dakota is a big responsibility. It’s a crucial part of the child welfare system. Use these resources to learn more if you want to be a part of it and make a difference for South Dakota children.
South Dakota residents have free access to Trualta for more resources on caregiving and related topics. Use this link if you live in another state and want to see if you can also access the resources for free.
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