State report shows Native children make up more than 70% of South Dakota foster care

Native American children accounted for more than 70% of children in South Dakota’s foster care system at the end of fiscal year 2025, according to South Dakota Searchlight. The outlet reported that the state Department of Social Services’ annual Child Protection Services report lists 1,201 Native American children among 1,709 children in foster care statewide. White children made up 23% of the foster care population while representing about 70% of the state’s overall population, according to the report.

About 32% of children were placed in kinship care with relatives or close family friends, up from 30% the previous year, according to South Dakota Searchlight’s review of the data. The department reported 793 registered foster homes during the fiscal year, the lowest number since 2020. Ninety-three homes, or nearly 12%, were Native American. Department of Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff said in an emailed statement to South Dakota Searchlight that kinship care is “a priority,” citing new licensing standards implemented in June to reduce barriers for families.