National Child Abuse Prevention Month

The Resource Guide is designed to help individuals and organization in every community strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect. The Resource Guide focuses on protective factors that build on family strengths to foster healthy child and youth development.

The Division of Child Protection Services provides parents the assistance they need to help keep their children safe through: parent training programs, parenting support services, assessment of child safety though receipt of child abuse and neglect reports, foster and kinship care, adoption services and child welfare agency licensing services.

The Common Sense Parenting Program is a six-week program for parents of children aged three to late adolescence. The program provides a step-by-step guide to assist parents build strong, healthy families and to make their home more peaceful, enjoyable, and safe for the whole family.

• Common Sense Parenting Program Brochure
• Common Sense Parenting Classes

Safe Havens in South Dakota

State law in South Dakota allows a parent to voluntarily leave their baby with a hospital or child placement agency if the child is less than 60 days old and is left unharmed. This person will not be required to provide their name, the other parent’s name, or any other information.

Administration for Children and Families, Child Maltreatment:

National and State statistics about child maltreatment are derived from the data collected by child protective services agencies and reported to National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System of the Children’s Bureau. The data are analyzed, disseminated and released in an annual report.

The Division of Child Care Services provides assistance to low-income families who need help with child care costs while parents work or attend school. They also provide oversight, technical assistance and support in promoting safe, healthy and caring environments for children through licensing, registration, and quality improvement activities. The availability of quality child care is not only important for maintaining a strong workforce; it is vital for the growth and development of healthy children.

• Child Care Assistance Program is available to families who meet income guidelines and are working or working and attending school a minimum of 20 hours per week. Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds help low-income families pay for the child care as they work, attend school or both.
  • Child Care Assistance Program Brochure
• Registration and Licensure of Child Care Environments Brochure
• Child Care Provider Online Search: Families can search for state registered and licensed child care providers by type, name, city and zip code.
• Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) Programs offer a systematic approach to providing early childhood and school age education training and technical assistance.  Services are available to all child care providers, parents and others involved in the day to day care of children
• Responsive Parenting Program is a six-week class for parents with children ages birth to three years old. Parents will learn about topics such as social-emotional growth, early brain development, temperament and guidance.

Department of Public Safety, Office of Highway Safety provides public education and support for law enforcement and community efforts to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities resulting from traffic crashes.

• Seatbelts and Child Safety Seats
• Impaired Driving Information
• Teen Drivers
• Pedestrian and Bike Safety

The mission of the SD Department of Health is to promote, protect and improve the health and well-being of all South Dakotans.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

The mission is to prevent shaken baby syndrome through the development and implementation of education, programs, public policy and research; to establish network, support and train families, caregivers and professionals.

Period of Purple Crying is the phrase used to describe the time in a baby’s life when they cry more than any other time.

National Parent Helpline - National Alliance of Children's Trust and Prevention Funds 855.4APARENT (855.427.2736).