{"id":376291,"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-child-abuse-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-07-10T15:33:32","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T20:33:32","slug":"south-dakota-child-abuse-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-dakota-law\/south-dakota-child-abuse-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"South Dakota Child Abuse Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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South Dakota Child Abuse Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/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 child abuse laws define what constitutes abuse and neglect of children, the penalties for the abuse, mandatory reporting requirements, and protections for those reporting suspected abuse.<\/blockquote>\r\n

South Dakota takes a comprehensive approach to safeguarding children from child abuse. The state defines child abuse or neglect as various forms of maltreatment that cause injury or place a child at risk of harm. South Dakota law establishes reporting of child abuse requirements and legal consequences for those who commit abuse or neglect against children or fail to report them.<\/p>\r\n

If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse or requires legal guidance regarding a child abuse case, contact a South Dakota family law attorney<\/a> or criminal defense lawyer<\/a> who can help navigate the complexities of these laws.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides a detailed overview of South Dakota’s child abuse laws, including definitions, reporting obligations, and penalties.<\/p>\r\n

Overview of Child Abuse Laws in South Dakota<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The following table outlines the key statutes and reporting requirements for child abuse in South Dakota:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

South Dakota Child Abuse Code Sections<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL)<\/b><\/p>\r\n

When To Report Child Abuse in South Dakota<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

When a person has "reasonable cause to suspect" that a child has been abused or neglected.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

How to Report Suspected Child Abuse in South Dakota<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Contact the Department of Social Services (DSS) in the county where the child resides or is found. You can also report to the state attorney’s office or law enforcement officers.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Penalty for Failure To Report or False Reporting<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Class 1 misdemeanor<\/a>, which can result in up to one-year imprisonment in a county jail and\/or a fine of up to $2,000<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

What Constitutes Child Abuse and Neglect in South Dakota?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

South Dakota law<\/a> provides comprehensive definitions for what constitutes child abuse and neglect, helping authorities determine when intervention becomes necessary. It also defines what an abused or neglected child<\/a> is. The law considers several circumstances that qualify a minor as abused or neglected if committed against a minor:<\/p>\r\n