April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The South Dakota Department of Social Services asks everyone to be vigilant in watching for signs of a problem and to report anything suspicious.
Secretary Laurie Gill says child abuse or neglect is never acceptable. She says we can all play a role in prevention by watching out for children and supporting families.
In state fiscal year 2021, Gill says DSS’ Division of Child Protection Services received more than 16,000 reports of child abuse and neglect. She says efforts are made by CPS to work with parents to resolve problems and ensure children can remain safely in their home. When children cannot safely remain in their home, the first choice is to have them stay with a relative. If a relative isn’t available, children are placed with a foster family.
Gill says DSS has resources to help parents develop skillsets to prevent abuse or neglect before it ever happens. They can learn healthy ways to cope with stress, mental health, substance use issues, and other factors that can lead to child abuse and neglect.
To learn more and to find resources, go to dss.sd.gov/childprotection/nationalchildabuse.
To report child abuse or neglect, please call 1-877-244-0864. Intake Specialists are available from 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday. If reporting an emergency situation outside of normal business hours, on the weekend or on a holiday, please contact local law enforcement.
To learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please call 888.201.5061 or visit www.StrongerFamiliesTogether.com and fill out the online “Commit to know more” card.
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