Child abuse and neglect reports are made by individuals and people from a variety of professions and organizations, including educators. Any person may make a report, however, South Dakota state law requires the mandatory reporters to report suspected child abuse and neglect as defined in SDCL 26-8A-3. To report child abuse or neglect, please call 877-244-0864. South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) Intake Specialists will be available 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday. If reporting an emergency situation before 8am, after 5pm, on the weekends, or during a holiday, please contact your local law enforcement.

• DSS Protective Services
• DSS Video Training for Mandatory Reporters
• Reporting Child Maltreatment in South Dakota: A Guide for Mandatory Reporting and Permissive Reporters by the Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment

This page provides a collection of resources and information related to mental health that may be of use to educators and the general public.

Additional information available on the Mental Health webpage

The South Dakota Department of Education is providing free 8.5 x 11 clear, acrylic wall mount sign holders for your school district to use in your restrooms to provide helpful mental health information and resources for your middle and high school students. The department will create the signs and post them on our website for you to print.

Additional information available on the Mental Health Poster Campaign webpage

The South Dakota Department of Education was awarded a Project AWARE grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant is a partnership with the South Dakota Department of Social Services - Division of Behavioral Health. The departments are partnering with school districts and community mental health centers to improve access to mental health services, train educational professionals, increase family and community awareness, and help youth develop healthy behavioral skills and mental wellness.

Additional information available on the Project AWARE webpage

Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is comprised of a broad range of systemic school-wide, group, and individualized strategies for achieving important social and learning outcomes while preventing problem behavior with all students.

Additional information available on the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports webpage

As part of the education team, school counselors foster development in career, academic and social/emotional areas for all students.

Additional information available on the School Counseling webpage

South Dakota schools strive to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students. Below are some resources schools can use to take steps to plan for these potential emergencies through the creation of a school Emergency Operations Plan.

Additional information available on the School Safety webpage

With the support of teachers, counselors, and parents, SDMyLife's goal is to help students better understand themselves and how their interest, skills, and knowledge relate to real-world academic and career opportunities.

Additional information available at SDMyLife.com

Soft skills are character and personality traits that reflect how you work in general, with others, and by yourself.

Additional information available on the Soft Skills webpage