April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the South Dakota Department of Social Services is asking everyone watch for signs of a problem.
Secretary Laurie Gill says the Department of Social Services is focused on protecting children and strengthening families. She says ending child abuse and neglect takes the teamwork of families, friends, neighbors, child welfare professionals, schools, medical facilities, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement and the public.
Gill says in state FY2020, DSS’ Division of Child Protection Services received more than 14,500 reports of child abuse and neglect. When it is determined that children cannot safely remain in their home, they are placed in foster care. In that same time frame, Gill says 1,191 children entered fostered care and 333 received in-home child protection services.
Gill says DSS wants to help parents learn healthy ways to cope with the stress, mental health, substance use and other factors that can lead to child abuse and neglect. She says ending the problem starts with awareness of the resources are available to help find solutions.
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 holidays, please contact local law enforcement.
To learn more and to find resources, go to dss.sd.gov/childprotection/nationalchildabuse.
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