South Dakota Department of Social Services

South Dakota Department of Social Services The South Dakota Department of Social Services is dedicated to strengthening & supporting individual

Have Medicaid? Take 5 minutes today to make sure South Dakota Medicaid has your correct:✔️ Home address✔️ Email address✔...
08/22/2026

Have Medicaid? Take 5 minutes today to make sure South Dakota Medicaid has your correct:
✔️ Home address
✔️ Email address
✔️ Phone number
This helps make sure you receive important notices about Medicaid rule changes and
deadlines.

Visit dss.sd.gov/Medicaid/HR1.aspx

Foster families can play an important role in helping Native youth stay connected to their culture. It starts with being...
08/21/2026

Foster families can play an important role in helping Native youth stay connected to their culture. It starts with being intentional, and foster families don’t have to navigate it alone.

There are many ways to help build those connections, including:
• Supporting opportunities to learn their tribal language
• Connecting youth with tribal elders, mentors and positive Native role models
• Helping them access traditional wellness, healing and culturally based behavioral health services
• Participating in ICWA cultural trainings and supporting relationships with tribal relatives

Honoring a child’s history and culture through everyday connections can help build pride, confidence and a strong sense of belonging.

Connections

Medicaid eligibility rules are changing for adults. Take steps now so that South Dakota Medicaid can communicate changes...
08/15/2026

Medicaid eligibility rules are changing for adults. Take steps now so that South Dakota Medicaid can communicate changes with you.
✔️ Update your address, phone number, and email
✔️ Check your mail and South Dakota Medicaid online account
✔️ Watch for official Medicaid notices

Visit dss.sd.gov/Medicaid/HR1.aspx

08/14/2026

For Native American children in foster care, staying connected to their heritage, traditions and tribal community can be an important part of their journey.

A cultural plan is a personalized roadmap that helps keep those connections strong. Each plan should reflect the child’s specific tribe, family, interests and community supports. Whenever possible, the child’s tribe and family should be part of the planning process to help ensure those connections are meaningful and lasting.

When children stay connected to where they come from, they have a stronger foundation to grow, thrive and understand who they are.

Connections

The Department of Social Services is hosting more than 700 people over the next two days at the Behavioral Health Confer...
08/11/2026

The Department of Social Services is hosting more than 700 people over the next two days at the Behavioral Health Conference in Sioux Falls. Health professionals, educators, emergency services responders, and community members interested in strengthening services and resources across the state are getting a comprehensive look at behavioral health in South Dakota. “Your Journey Matters.”

08/07/2026

Native American children deserve to grow up connected to their family, culture, traditions, and community.

When children cannot safely remain at home, placing them with relatives, known as kin, or Native American foster families helps preserve those important connections and supports a strong sense of identity and belonging.

We are looking for Native American families, relatives, and community members who are willing to open their homes and help keep children connected to their heritage. Foster families of all backgrounds are also needed and can play an important role in supporting a child’s cultural connections.

Could you help make a lifelong difference for a child?

Learn more about becoming a foster parent: https://strongerfamiliestogether.sd.gov/

More than 730 people from across South Dakota will be in Sioux Falls next week for the 2026 Your Journey Matters Behavio...
08/06/2026

More than 730 people from across South Dakota will be in Sioux Falls next week for the 2026 Your Journey Matters Behavioral Health Conference.

The two-day conference brings together behavioral health professionals, educators, emergency service workers, and community members to learn about topics including su***de prevention, substance use, crisis services, recovery, and integrated care.

🔗 https://www.sd.gov/news?id=news_kb_article_view&sys_id=0da75821972687d042f3b546f053af5f

07/31/2026

As we wrap up this month's series, we're reminded that sibling relationships provide children with connection, stability, and a sense of belonging.

Child Protection Services staff and foster families across South Dakota work every day to help preserve those important bonds. But more foster and adoptive families are needed to welcome sibling groups, support relationships with siblings living in other homes, and help reunite brothers and sisters whenever possible.

When siblings stay connected, they carry their shared history and support system with them throughout their lives.

If you've ever considered becoming a foster or adoptive parent, now is a great time to learn more. Visit strongerfamiliestogether.sd.gov to get started.

At this year's Independent Living Teen Conferences in Brookings and Rapid City, seven members of Young Voices shared the...
07/29/2026

At this year's Independent Living Teen Conferences in Brookings and Rapid City, seven members of Young Voices shared their personal journeys with 51 youth currently in foster care.

They spoke honestly about the challenges they faced, including multiple placements, homelessness, trauma, family separation, and aging out of foster care. More importantly, they shared where they are today. They are college graduates, skilled trades professionals, child protection workers, parents, advocates, and young adults building successful careers.

Their message was simple but powerful. Your past does not determine your future.

The presenters encouraged youth to stay connected with their support systems, take advantage of available resources, work toward their goals, and never be afraid to ask for help. After each presentation, many youth stayed to ask questions and connect one-on-one with the speakers, creating meaningful conversations rooted in shared experiences.

Thank you to our Young Voices members for giving back, inspiring the next generation, and reminding every young person in the room that their story is still being written. 💙

Address

700 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD
57501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16057733165

Website

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