South Dakota reports increase in Native foster homes after kinship care changes
State officials say updated licensing rules expanded access to reimbursement for relatives caring for children
South Dakota Searchlight reports that the number of licensed Native American foster homes in South Dakota increased by 44% after new kinship care licensing rules took effect in the summer of 2025. Information presented during a meeting of the Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council showed the number of licensed Native American foster homes grew from 93 in July 2025 to 134 by late February. During the same period, the total number of licensed foster homes increased from 793 to 908.
State officials attributed the increase largely to rule changes that eased licensing requirements for kinship caregivers, who are relatives or close family friends caring for children removed from their homes. The South Dakota Department of Social Services reported that the number of children placed in licensed kinship care increased from 143 to 258, an 80% increase since July 2025. During the advisory council meeting, Oglala Sioux Tribe Child Protection Services Director Susan Schrader encouraged the state to work more closely with tribes on future kinship placements.
- 1.John Hult. South Dakota Searchlight, .
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