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SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The purpose of the SD Department of Social Services is to provide a variety of assistance and services to citizens of the state. The secretary of the Department is appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The secretary is responsible for the overall function of the Department.

The SD Board of Social Services is a quasi-legislative body which establishes general policy and guidelines for the Department. The members are appointed by the Governor serving staggered, four-year terms.

The Department of Social Services consists of a number of program areas. Field offices are organized geographically by Regions; each Region is subdivided into Multi- County Service Areas (MSAs).

Division of Behavioral Health Services: Ensures children and adults with mental health disorders and chemical dependency in South Dakota communities have the opportunity to choose and receive effective services needed to promote resilience and recovery.

Division of Children and Family Services

Division of Child Protection Services: Investigates child abuse and neglect, works to preserve or restore family stability, and administers foster care and adoptions.

Division of Child Support: Helps parents establish a financial partnership to support their children when they do not live together. They also help locate non-custodial parents, establish paternity and enforce child support orders and collect and process support payments.

Division of Economic Assistance: Provides medical, nutritional, financial, and case management services to promote the well-being of lower income families, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.

e Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Provides health insurance at little or no cost for South Dakota children who meet certain eligibility requirements.

e Energy Assistance & Weatherization: Helps low-income families pay their heating bills and weatherize their homes.

e Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Helps low-income people buy the food they need to remain healthy.

e Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Help families with basic needs and employment assistance.

e Child Care Assistance: Help low-income families pay for the childcare as they work, attend school, or both.

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Official source

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Department of Social Services consists of a number of program areas. Field offices are organized geographically by Regions; each Region is subdivided into Multi- County Service Areas (MSAs).

Division of Children and Family Services

Division of Child Protection Services: Investigates child abuse and neglect, works to preserve or restore family stability, and administers foster care and adoptions.

e Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Provides health insurance at little or no cost for South Dakota children who meet certain eligibility requirements.

e Energy Assistance & Weatherization: Helps low-income families pay their heating bills and weatherize their homes.

e Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Helps low-income people buy the food they need to remain healthy.

e Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Help families with basic needs and employment assistance.

e Child Care Assistance: Help low-income families pay for the childcare as they work, attend school, or both.

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