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CERTIFICATIONS

The State of South Dakota operates a program to provide Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) so that the children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

This program is known as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). Executive Officer of the State is Governor Kristi Noem.

In administering and operating a program which provides Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and minor children under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act, the State will:

1. Specify which State agency or agencies administers and supervises the program under part A in all political subdivisions of the State:

The South Dakota Department of Social Services is the State agency responsible for administering the program.

The South Dakota Department of Social Services is the State agency responsible for supervising the program.

2. Assure that local governments and private sector organizations: a. Have been consulted regarding the plan and design of welfare services in the State so that services are provided in a manner appropriate to local populations; and b. South Dakota complied with the public comment requirement.

The state's TANF plan is governed by rules and regulations promulgated through the Administrative Procedures Act (South Dakota Codified Law 1-26). The public is notified of all rule changes and invited to attend Public Hearings and provide comment.

A 45-day public comment period has been issued for this renewal plan.

3. Operate a Child Support Enforcement program under the State plan approved under Part D;

4. Operate a Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program in accordance with Part E, and certify that the State will take all necessary actions to ensure that children receiving assistance are eligible for medical assistance;

5. Provide each member of an Indian tribe, who is domiciled in the State and is not eligible for assistance under a Tribal Family Assistance plan approved under Section 412, with equitable access to assistance under the State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government.

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