{"id":376281,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/south-dakota-law\/south-dakota-adoption-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-01-02T15:57:46","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T20:57:46","slug":"south-dakota-adoption-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-dakota-law\/south-dakota-adoption-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"South Dakota Adoption Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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South Dakota Adoption Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

South Dakota adoption laws protect the legal rights of the birth parents, adoptive families, and, most importantly, the adoptive children. South Dakota is an "adoption-friendly" state because its laws are less restrictive than some. The adoption process still requires prospective parents to meet all requirements and appear before a family court judge.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re considering adoption, you can go through the South Dakota Department of Social Services (SDDSS) or a private adoption service. Federal and state laws apply to both types of adoption.<\/p>\r\n

South Dakota Adoption Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In South Dakota, the court’s primary concern is the best interests of the child<\/a>. Social services screen prospective adoptive parents and homes thoroughly. This protects the parental rights of the birth parents as well as those of the adopting parents.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Adoption<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

South Dakota recognizes several types of adoptions. Adoptions may be public or private.<\/p>\r\n