An adoptive study , required by SDCL 25-6-9.1 , includes an evaluation of the applicant based on references, personal interviews, screenings against the central registry for substantiated reports of abuse or neglect, a criminal record check, information obtained from at least three character references, and home consultations.

The department or a child-placement agency licensed by the state must update an adoptive study on an annual basis.

If an adoptive study was approved for a kinship child in the custody of the department, the adoption approval terminates after one year if the kinship child is no longer in the custody of the department.

Source: 2 SDR 62, effective April 5, 1976; transferred from § 67:14:32:06 , 7 SDR 23, effective September 18, 1980; 7 SDR 66, 7 SDR 89, effective July 1, 1981; 15 SDR 68, effective November 7, 1988; 17 SDR 157, effective April 23, 1991; 37 SDR 222, effective June 7, 2011 ; 51 SDR 127, effective June 1, 2025 .

General Authority: SDCL 26-4-9.1 .

Law Implemented: SDCL 26-4-9.1 .

Prior versions effective: 2011-06-07.