South Dakota Foster Youth Rights

About this resource

In South Dakota, as a youth in foster care, you have the right to:

• Be involved in creating your case plan.

• Know your rights and receive a list of them.

• Be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

• Understand why you're in care and get updates on your case.

• Stay with your siblings, when possible, and maintain contact.

• Maintain contact with your parents, as appropriate.

• Send and receive unopened mail and make private phone calls.

• Live in a safe and healthy environment with proper food, clothing, and hygiene products.

• Continue your education and participate in extracurricular activities.

• Have access to your school and medical records.

• Have your voice heard in court proceedings.

These rights are outlined in the South Dakota Young Voices Handbook