To be licensed or relicensed as a kinship foster parent, the following criteria must be met:

1. (1) The applicant is at least nineteen years of age and resides in a stand-alone dwelling or a unit in a multiple-unit dwelling, which provides personal living space for one family, in this state;
2. (2) The applicant has the resources necessary to meet the needs of the family and to support, care for, and educate a kinship child;
3. (3) The applicant's or applicant's children, if any, are willing to accept the kinship child as a member of the family;
4. (4) The applicant's or applicant's family composition, needs, and relationships do not adversely affect the kinship child placed in the home;
5. (5) The applicant has an approved child care plan for the kinship child from the licensing agency if the applicant or licensed kinship foster parent is employed outside the home;
6. (6) The applicant has the ability to offer continuing care and guidance to the kinship child throughout the stages of development in a manner consistent with the social and cultural heritage norms of the child;
7. (7) The applicant is able to continue meeting the needs of the applicant's own children, if any; and

8. (8) The applicant does not have any prohibited reports or records pursuant to §§ 67:42:18:12 and 67:42:18:13.

   Cross-References:

   Required criminal records checks, 42 U.S.C. § 671(a)(20).

   Application for license--Investigation--Issuance--Conditions--Records--Public inspection, SDCL 26-6-11.

   Initial evaluation and approval--Renewal of license, § 67:42:01:05.

   Screening for substantiated reports of abuse and neglect, § 67:42:01:05.02.

   Ability to provide care, § 67:42:01:06.

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

General Authority: SDCL 26-6-16 .

Law Implemented: SDCL 26-6-16 .