S.D. Admin. R. 67:14:32:08

Current through Register Vol. 51, page 30, September 3, 2024

Section 67:14:32:08 - General qualifications for adoptive applicants

The general qualifications for an adoptive applicant are as follows:

(1) The applicant is at least 21 years of age and resides in South Dakota. Verification of age is required;

(2) No member of the applicant's household 18 years of age or older, other than a child placed in the home for foster care, has on record a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect;

(3) No member of the applicant's household has had a conviction for any of the crimes specified in § 67:14:32:05.05;

(4) The applicant is capable of providing good care for children;

(5) The applicant has income to meet the needs of the applicant's existing family and to support, care, and educate an adopted child;

(6) The applicant's children, if any, are willing to accept an adopted child as a member of the family;

(7) The applicant's family composition, needs, and relationships may not adversely affect an adopted child; and

(8) The applicant has the ability to parent a child, which includes a basic understanding of the child's physical and mental or emotional development and the ability to fulfill the child's needs. An applicant must have the ability to offer continuing care and guidance to a child throughout the stages of the child's development in a manner consistent with the social and cultural heritage norms of the child. The applicant must be able to continue meeting the needs of the applicant's own children, if any. The applicant must display the capacity to provide good care for children.

The department may require a psychological evaluation and the submission of medical records if questions arise during the application process regarding the applicant's emotional stability or the emotional stability of another household member.

S.D. Admin. R. 67:14:32:08

2 SDR 62, effective 4/5/1976; 7 SDR 23, effective 9/18/1980; 7 SDR 66, 7 SDR 89, effective 7/1/1981; 9 SDR 72, effective 12/14/1982; 17 SDR 157, effective 4/23/1991; 21 SDR 206, effective 6/4/1995; 35 SDR 187, effective 2/11/2009; 47 SDR 024, effective 9/10/2020

General Authority: SDCL 26-4-9.1(1)(3)(4).

Law Implemented: SDCL 26-4-9.1(1)(3)(4).

Required criminal records checks, 42 U.S.C. § 671 (a)(20). Home study report by licensed child placement agency, Department of Social Services, or certified independent social worker required -- Exception -- Criminal record check and central registry screening to be included -- Violation as misdemeanor, SDCL 25-6-9.1. Confidentiality of abuse or neglect information -- Violation as misdemeanor -- Release to certain parties, SDCL 26-8A-13. Information from another state's central registry or national crime database to be used only for background check for approval of foster or adoptive placement, SDCL 26-6-14.13.