Prescription Take-Back Day is Saturday October 23
South Dakotans are encouraged to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs during the next Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 23.


Outcomes brighter when siblings can remain together in care
Siblings have unique bonds which is why keeping brothers and sisters together in foster care and adoption is so important to achieving successful outcomes.


Mental health support available in South Dakota
As Mental Illness Awareness Week kicks off the Department of Social Services (DSS) wants South Dakotans to know there is help available for those dealing with mental health challenges.


October Mental Health Memo: Every Month Should be Substance Abuse Prevention Month
For a decade, October has been recognized as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.


Materials available to help spread awareness about preventing suicide
During Suicide Prevention Month, the Department of Social Services (DSS) is sharing tools for communities to use in the prevention of suicide. Materials to raise awareness of suicide prevention in your community are available for anyone to order through DSS. Toolkits and campaign materials are also available for diverse populations including Native Americans, LGBTQ, and Veterans.


Child Support Commission to hold Sioux Falls meeting, hearing
The Commission on Child Support is continuing to conduct its required review of South Dakota’s child support guidelines and will hold the second of three public hearings next week in Sioux Falls.


South Dakota awarded rural health transformation funds
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has been awarded up to $5 million in federal funding to transform the way health care is delivered in rural communities.


DSS offers training to help reduce suicide, mental health issues
he South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) offers a variety of training opportunities, including virtual courses, designed to help identify, understand, and respond to signs of crisis.


Family key to providing safety, stability to children
Family connections are critical to healthy child development and a sense of belonging. When children must be removed from their families for safety, kinship care is the preferred placement.


Additional funding available for child care providers
Additional funding to support child care programs and the families they serve is being made available, according to the Department of Social Services (DSS).


September is Behavioral Health Recovery Month in South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September as Behavioral Health Recovery Month in South Dakota to help spread the message that hope, healing, and happiness are possible.


Governor Noem proclaims September as Kinship Appreciation and Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September 2021 as Kinship Appreciation and Awareness Month in South Dakota.


September is Suicide Prevention Month in South Dakota
Suicide is a preventable public health problem and Governor Kristi Noem wants anyone who is struggling to find the help and resources they need. That is why she has proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month in South Dakota.

Mental Health Memo: Changing the Conversation Around Suicide
It can be said we’re all one significant event away from a mental health crisis.


Child Support Commission begins work
The guidelines for child support in South Dakota are undergoing an in-depth review by the Commission on Child Support with meetings planned over the next several months.


College tuition grant funding available to current, former foster care youth
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has help available for current and former foster care youth to further their education.


Commission on Child Support to hold public hearings on proposed guideline changes
The Commission on Child Support will conduct public hearings over the next three months to gather input on potential changes to South Dakota’s child support guidelines and related statutes.


Mental Health Memo: 5 Back-to-School-Tips
“Back to School” season can be full of excitement and new adventures, but, for some, the thought of going back to school can bring overwhelming feelings of anxiety about the unknown.