Licensing Information

Foster homes and facilities providing out of home services to children are defined as Child Welfare Agencies and must be licensed. Licensing is intended to ensure foster homes and facilities maintain an acceptable standard of care and provide a safe environment for children. 

The following agencies must be licensed:

• Family Foster Homes
• Group Care Centers for Minors
• Residential Treatment Centers
• Intensive Residential Treatment Centers
• Independent Living Preparation Programs
• Child Placement Agencies

Foster families and child welfare agencies are licensed by the Office of Licensing and Accreditation.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, visit StrongerFamiliesTogether.sd.gov.

Email DSSLicAccred@state.sd.us with questions related to licensing of Group Care Centers for Minors, Residential Treatment Centers, Intensive Residential Treatment Centers, Independent Living Preparation Programs and Child Placement Agencies.

List of agency licenses, license reviews, and corrective action plans.