South Dakota Department of Social Services

06/16/2026

Employers can easily make child support payments for their employees online. It’s fast, simple and secure. Payments can be made 24/7 in a variety of ways including from a bank account or by credit card. Go to https://dss.sd.gov/childsupport/employer/ to learn more.

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

This comprehensive behavioral health conference will offer information related to su***de and substance misuse prevention, treatment, recovery supports, and reducing stigma. CEUs are available. Registration is free and open until July 27th or until we reach capacity. For more information and to register, visit SDBehavioralHealth.gov/conference.

06/15/2026

Why Sleep Matters for Mental Health

Sleep is one of the most important yet commonly overlooked components of mental well‑being. Much like muscles require rest to stay strong, the brain needs consistent, restorative sleep to function properly.

🔗 https://news.sd.gov/news?id=news_kb_article_view&sys_id=18d6f03847258710a497127ba26d439c

06/15/2026

Life changes, and so should your info. 💍

If you’ve recently gotten married or divorced, notify DSS as soon as possible. This ensures your benefits match your current situation.

Visit dss.sd.gov or call your local office to report the change.

06/12/2026

We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Fountain Springs Church in Rapid City. Their generosity and commitment to supporting children and families continues to make a meaningful difference in our communities.

Recently, members of the church donated travel bags filled with snacks, books, activities, and comfort items to help children during longer car rides. These thoughtful gifts provide more than entertainment. They offer comfort, distraction, and a reminder that people care during what can often be a stressful time for children.

Thank you, Fountain Springs Church, for being a Foster Friendly Church and for helping create brighter moments for children and families across South Dakota.

Interested in supporting stronger families and children in your community? Learn how you can get involved and make a difference.

06/12/2026

A young mother in a South Dakota community has inspired us all. She faced barriers that could have felt impossible--struggles with substance use, unstable housing, and becoming a parent while still growing up herself. But with support, encouragement, and a foster family who believed in reunification, she found her footing. She completed treatment, pursued education, secured employment, and worked tirelessly to create a safe home.

Her two children were reunited with her.

This is what resilience looks like. This is what hope looks like. This is why Stronger Families Together matters.

📲 call 855.830.5062

06/10/2026

This month, as part of our Stronger Families series, we’re sharing the story of Ethel, her son Tres, and the two families who refused to let go of each other.

Story >>https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2026/06/03/what-reunification-really-looks-like-south-dakota-familys-story/

This month, as part of our Stronger Families series, we’re sharing the story of Ethel, her son Tres, and the two families who refused to let go of each other.

Story >> https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2026/06/03/what-reunification-really-looks-like-south-dakota-familys-story/

06/09/2026

Not sure where to start with Rural Health Transformation funding?
Everything you need is in one place. Review opportunities, check eligibility, and access resources to help you move forward.

Start here: ruralhealthtransformation.sd.gov

Not sure where to start with Rural Health Transformation funding?

Everything you need is in one place. Review opportunities, check eligibility, and access resources to help you move forward.

Start here: ruralhealthtransformation.sd.gov

06/09/2026

We applaud the efforts of DSS team member Kara Peery and her work on the Office of Lifespan Health Advisory Committee, supporting services for South Dakotans at every stage of life.

Get to know the Office of Lifespan Health Advisory Committee. These members bring experience from across healthcare, public health, and community services to support South Dakotans at every stage of life.

Kara Peery works on Medicaid eligibility policy and collaborates with programs across child protection, behavioral health, and women’s health to support access to services.

https://ow.ly/G7oU50Z6cN2