South Dakota Rights & Complaints

About this resource

While South Dakota doesn’t have a designated foster care complaint system or an Ombudsman to represent foster youth voices, you still have the right to speak up.

• If something doesn’t feel right while you’re in foster care, you can and should say something.
• Talk to someone you trust, like your caseworker, foster parent, therapist, or Community Resource Person (CRP).
• You can also write down your thoughts using the “What I Want My Worker to Know” form.
• To file a formal complaint, visit: https://dss.sd.gov/keyresources/legal/grievance.aspx

Not sure how to start? Ask your CRP or caseworker for help. Your voice matters — and you deserve to be heard.