Foster parent applicants must participate in at least 30 hours of orientation training before receiving an initial license. The training must include:

1. (1) The impact of separation and trauma on child development;
2. (2) How attachments are formed;
3. (3) The importance of the birth family;
4. (4) Techniques of managing behavior;
5. (5) Permanency planning for children;
6. (6) Child development; and

7. (7) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, and medication administration.

   Licensed foster parents must participate in at least 6 hours of approved training annually, before license renewal. Upon prior approval of the department, the department may reimburse a foster parent an established flat rate for this type of training.

   If the foster parent cares for a child with a disability or a medical, behavioral, or emotional disorder, an additional 12 hours of training is required to meet the needs of the child. Upon prior approval of the department, the department may reimburse a foster parent for this type of training. Evidence of education, experience, or professional background in the specific area may be substituted for training to meet a child's specific needs.

   The foster parent must supply the department or the child placement agency with documented evidence of completed training before each license renewal.

Source: 4 SDR 2, effective July 25, 1977; 7 SDR 66, 7 SDR 89, effective July 1, 1981; 11 SDR 101, effective February 3, 1985; 12 SDR 4, effective July 25, 1985; 12 SDR 127, effective February 9, 1986; 17 SDR 157, effective April 23, 1991; 27 SDR 121, effective May 28, 2001; 39 SDR 220, effective June 27, 2013; 47 SDR 24, effective September 10, 2020.

General Authority: SDCL 26-6-16(1)(6).

Law Implemented: SDCL 26-6-16(1)(6).

Prior versions effective: 2013-06-27.