For the fourth consecutive year, Native American children made up over 70% of South Dakota’s foster care population, despite representing only a fraction of the state’s overall population. At the end of fiscal year 2025, 1,201 of 1,709 foster children were Native American. By comparison, white children account for 70% of the state’s population but just 23% of foster care placements.
The Department of Social Services’ annual report highlights efforts to expand kinship care, with 32% of children placed with relatives or close family friends—up slightly from last year. Officials say new licensing standards aim to speed support for kinship families.
Other findings:
- The number of registered foster homes fell to 793, the lowest since 2020; 12% were Native American homes.
- Nearly 500 children received at-home interventions, down 13% from last year.
- Of 984 children discharged, 423 reunited with families, 254 were adopted, 72 transferred to tribal programs, and 85 aged out—20 more than the prior year.
- The reunification rate within a year dropped to 58%, down from 75% in 2020.
- Two children briefly ran away and one 15-year-old boy died in care, unrelated to abuse or neglect.
Officials acknowledge the long-standing overrepresentation of Native children and say kinship care remains a priority to preserve cultural ties and improve outcomes.
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