# Child Abuse Help Resources - South Dakota
## Emergency Contacts
- **National Child Abuse Hotline (Childhelp)**
- **Phone:** 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
- **Text:** Text "4HOPE" to 741741
- **Website:** [https://www.childhelp.org](https://www.childhelp.org/)
- **Description:** Provides 24/7 confidential support for children and families experiencing abuse or neglect.
## Statewide Child Protection Services
- **South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) – Child Protection Services**
- **Phone:** 1-877-244-0864
- **Website:** [https://dss.sd.gov](https://dss.sd.gov/)
- **Office Locations:** Various offices statewide
- **Services Provided:** Emergency shelter, child protective services, counseling, and assistance for reporting abuse.
## Regional Child Protection Services
### Sioux Falls
- **Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota – Child Protection Services**
- **Phone:** 605-444-7641
- **Website:** [https://lsssd.org](https://lsssd.org/)
- **Specialized Services:** Forensic interviews, family counseling, and case management for at-risk children.
### Rapid City
- **Pennington County Child Protection Services**
- **Phone:** 605-394-2180
- **Website:** [https://www.rapidcitysd.gov](https://www.rapidcitysd.gov/)
- **Specialized Services:** Parenting classes, abuse investigations, and emergency services for children in need.
### Pierre
- **Central South Dakota Human Services Center**
- **Phone:** 605-773-5990
- **Website:** [https://csdbh.sd.gov](https://csdbh.sd.gov/)
- **Specialized Services:** Child welfare services, counseling, and legal aid for families and children.
## Reporting Child Abuse
- **South Dakota Child Abuse Reporting Hotline**
- **Phone:** 1-877-244-0864
- **Website:** [https://dss.sd.gov](https://dss.sd.gov/)
- **How to Report:** Call the hotline to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Provide as much information as possible, including the child's name, location, and the nature of the abuse.
## Online Child Protection Services
- **Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline – Online Resources**
- **Phone/Text:** 1-800-422-4453 (Helpline)
- **Website:** [https://www.childhelp.org](https://www.childhelp.org/)
- **Features:** Online resources for parents, caregivers, and children, including prevention tips and guidance for reporting abuse.
## Educational Resources
- **South Dakota Department of Social Services – Child Abuse Prevention**
- **Website:** [https://dss.sd.gov](https://dss.sd.gov/)
- **Description:** Offers educational resources for recognizing the signs of abuse, as well as training materials for teachers, healthcare providers, and other professionals working with children.
## Other Resources
- **South Dakota Child Advocacy Centers (CAC)**
- **Phone:** 1-877-244-0864
- **Website:** [https://www.sdcac.org](https://www.sdcac.org/)
- **Services Provided:** Comprehensive advocacy services, including legal support, forensic interviews, and therapy for child victims of abuse.
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_Updated as of January 2025. For updates or corrections, please contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services._