September is Kinship Appreciation and Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September 2022 as Kinship Appreciation and Awareness Month in South Dakota.


How to fight stigma about mental health?
Concern about being treated differently leads some people to avoid or delay seeking treatment for their mental health.


Rapid City DSS office moving to new one-stop location
The Rapid City office of South Dakota’s Department of Social Services (DSS) is moving into a new building at 221 Mall Drive.


Recovery is for everyone: Behavioral Health Recovery Month
Recovery is possible for everyone and to help spread the news Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September as Behavioral Health Recovery Month in South Dakota.


September is Suicide Prevention Month in South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month in South Dakota. This month is a time for raising awareness about suicide prevention and how we can all play a role.


How can you “Be the One”? Mental Health Memo for September
Every one of us has the power to be the one that helps save the life of a person that may be in crisis or contemplating suicide. We can each be the one, but how?


Water/wastewater assistance available in South Dakota
Assistance for South Dakota families whose water/wastewater service has been disconnected or who are at risk of losing access to water service may be available through the Department of Social Services (DSS).


Preparing for Back-to School Changes: August Mental Health Memo
Just a few short weeks and we will be back to school! Teachers, parents and caregivers are preparing for students to head back into the classroom and the help they provide will play an important role in the success of each student.

Child care listening sessions planned
The Department of Social Services (DSS) is planning several opportunities for child care providers, community members, and families to give their input on how one-time funding for South Dakota’s child care system is spent.


Tuition assistance available at Southeast Technical College
South Dakotans can get help paying for courses in in-demand fields at Southeast Technical College through a program offered by the Department of Social Services (DSS).


Honoring importance of Native American foster and kinship families
Native American foster and kinship families play a vital role in the lives of native youth while their parents work through difficulties that make it unsafe to stay at home.


988 to launch July 16 in South Dakota
A new three-digit dialing code, 988, will launch on Saturday in South Dakota connecting those experiencing mental health distress to compassionate, accessible care and support.


Resources available to help cope with disasters
When disasters strike, it can leave entire communities in shock with feelings of confusion, fear, and helplessness. Yet there are resources available to help South Dakotans cope.


DSS making funding for residential alternative care programs available
The Department of Social Services (DSS) is making $5 million available for residential alternative care programs to support alcohol and drug abuse recovery programs and services for women.


A Time to Be: Mental Health Memo for July
Summer is here! Longer days and warmer weather beckon us outside, away from the inactivity brought on by winter’s chill.

Stronger Families Together initiative hits first year goal
Governor Kristi Noem’s initiative to recruit 300 new foster families in South Dakota successfully surpassed its first year goal.