The following criteria is needed to become a foster parent. The criteria fulfills South Dakota Department of Social Services’ regulations and standards.

1. An application to be licensed must be completed.
2. Three positive references with telephone numbers from persons other than family members must be provided.
3. Employment verification must be provided.
4. A Central Registry Check form for every household member age 10 years and older must be completed and returned with no record of substantiated child abuse/neglect.
5. A Division of Criminal Investigation check must be completed on every adult living in the home. If an applicant’s name appears, his/her criminal record will be evaluated as it pertains to state licensing.
6. Applicants and all adults in the household must be screened through the Sexual Offender Registry in the county of residence.
7. Physical examinations of the potential foster parents, TB tests for all household members, and immunization records for children under the age of 18 years must be provided.
8. Pre-service orientation training must be completed.
9. The home study process must be completed.

If you are interested in becoming a foster care parent, please contact:

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