Strong families are South Dakota’s foundation and our future. They serve as the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem and support in communities throughout the state and the country.

South Dakotans who provide foster parenting are making a difference in the lives of children and their birth families. The Department of Social Services ensures the safety, permanency and well-being of the children in our state.

Foster parenting promotes the healing process by offering a stable and secure environment until a child can return home or establish an alternative lifelong relationship with a caring adult, through adoption or other permanent situation.

South Dakota currently recruits and licenses family foster homes that provide 24-hour care and supervision for abused and/or neglected children.

These families open their homes and hearts and give hope to children of South Dakota whose families are in crisis and also play a vital role in:

• Helping children and families heal
• Reconnecting children with their families
• Transitioning children into successful adulthood

There are numerous individuals, along with public and private organizations, who work to increase public awareness for the needs of children living in and leaving foster care as well as for the need and contribution of foster parents.

Children and youth across the state need dedicated foster families to help them and their birth families; so share your heart and open your home to change the life of a child.