SouthDakotaDSS

??Merry Christmas from the South Dakota Department of Social Services! ?? Today, we celebrate the season of giving, joy, and togetherness. ?? From our DSS family to yours, we wish you a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with those who matter most. Thank you for supporting South Dakota’s families and communities throughout the year. Your kindness and compassion make all the difference. Wishing you peace and happiness this holiday season and always. ?? #MerryChristmas #SouthDakotaDSS #StrongerCommunitiesSD

?? Meet Patty, one of our dedicated Adoption Program Specialists! ?? Patty shares the rewarding work of helping children find loving, permanent families. Her dedication to creating supportive environments for adoptive families shines through. ???? Hear her story and learn how you can join the journey to support adoption in South Dakota: https://lnkd.in/g552pG7G ?? Visit dss.sd.gov for more information #Adoption #StrongerFamiliesTogether #SouthDakotaDSS #YouAreNeeded #Family

?? Meet Hannah, one of our Adoption Program Specialists! ?? Hannah shares her passion for supporting adoptive families and how her role helps create brighter futures for children across South Dakota. ?????????? Watch her full interview to learn more about the impact of adoption and how you can be part of making a difference: https://lnkd.in/gsChtb-P ?? Visit dss.sd.gov for more information #Adoption #StrongerFamiliesTogether #SouthDakotaDSS #YouAreNeeded #Family

?? Become a Positive Indian Parenting Trainer! ?? Learn to deliver Positive Indian Parenting, a culturally-rooted, 8-week program focused on traditional parenting practices and values. You'll gain skills to teach and apply Indigenous traditions to the unique challenges and opportunities of modern parenting. This training is designed specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native parents by the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA). ?? Training Location: Ramkota, Pierre, SD ?? Direct-billed room reservations upon registration ??? Meals and mileage reimbursable ?? CEUs available upon request ?? No cost to attend! ?? Register https://lnkd.in/gvXDHBAu ?? Questions? Contact [email protected] Join us in strengthening families through traditional wisdom!

?? Got unwanted, unneeded, or outdated prescription medications cluttering your cabinet? Before you flush or toss them, listen up! ?? Shaina Smykle, Certified Prevention Specialist with South Dakota DSS, joined Keloland Living to share important details about safely disposing of those medications. ?? This Prescription Take-Back Day is your chance to easily and safely get rid of outdated prescriptions at local Take-Back locations across South Dakota. Let’s keep our homes and communities safe together! Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gsiR6Jcx and find a drop-off location near you! #PrescriptionTakeBackDay #SouthDakotaDSS #SafeDisposal #KelolandLiving #KeepSDSafe

Reminder: Our offices will be closed on Monday, October 14, in observance of Native American Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, October 15. Thank you for your understanding and have a meaningful holiday! #NativeAmericanDay #SouthDakotaDSS

Employers collaborate with the South Dakota child support program to ensure children get the support they need. See how this partnership works at ?https://lnkd.in/gZZUNxxS #Support4Families

New beginnings and endless possibilities start with opening your home to an older youth. The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program provides financial aid to support young adults from foster care as they pursue post-secondary education and training. Learn more here. If you’re considering becoming a foster family for an older youth, Aria shares, "Taking in older kids can be challenging, but they truly need a loving home. Remember, parenting doesn’t stop when they turn 18. Often, they have no one else but their foster parents, so keep that in mind when deciding to foster." https://lnkd.in/gXDzxpKM #SupportSDFosterCare #SouthDakotaFosterCare #FosterCareSD #SupportSDKids #SDKidsNeedYou #BeAFosterParent #ChangingLivesSD

This week, over 100 DSS staff members from all divisions gathered in Pierre for "New Employee Day." This event provides a look into the services DSS delivers, fostering deeper connections across the department. In addition to presentations and activities, we took our new employees on a tour of the South Dakota State Capitol, immersing them in the history and significance of the building that shapes our state’s government. One of the event's highlights is the poverty simulation, where participants were able to walk a day in the shoes of those we serve. It was an excellent way to foster empathy and understanding among employees. #SouthDakotaDSS #EmployeeEngagement #TeamBuilding #TeamDSS #PierreSD

?? Home Again was proud to support the South Dakota Health Care Association conference in Sioux Falls this week! ?? Our team enjoyed connecting with providers from across the state and sharing information about the essential services and supports available through DSS. Together, we’re working to ensure that all South Dakotans have access to the care they need. ?? https://homeagain.sd.gov/ #SDHCAConference #StrongerCommunities #SouthDakotaDSS #HomeAgain