The licensing agency shall conduct an initial evaluation of an applicant that includes:

1. (1) A minimum of three reference checks with at least one reference being a family member and at least one reference being a non-relative;
2. (2) Personal interviews including at least one scheduled, in-home interview for each household member. The department may elect to observe, rather than interview, a household member, based on the member's age or development;
3. (3) A screening for records of abuse or neglect;
4. (4) A criminal record check; and

5. (5) An in-home visit.

   The licensing agency shall issue a license to a kinship foster parent upon review of the initial evaluation, the written home study of the applicant, and a finding the kinship foster parent meets the standards for care found in this chapter.

   The licensing agency must complete an annual renewal study of the kinship foster parent if the relative kinship child continues to live in the home twelve months after the initial kinship foster home license was issued. Renewal of a license is based on the licensing agency's annual evaluation of the family and the care provided, and the written home study.

Source: 51 SDR 127, effective June 1, 2025 .

General Authority: SDCL 26-6-16 .

Law Implemented: SDCL 26-6-11 , 26-6-16 , 26-6-23.2 .