In South Dakota, adoption is the legal creation of a parent-child relationship. The adoption process is designed to provide permanent homes for children who need them. Adoptive parents become the child's legal parents, with all of the rights and responsibilities of parenthood.
WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT ADOPTION IN SOUTH DAKOTA?
An independent adoption is when a birth parent places a child directly with prospective adoptive parents for the purpose of adoption.
HOW IS AN ADOPTION HOME STUDY COMPLETED IN SOUTH DAKOTA?
There are several private agencies and licensed social workers who are willing to provide home study services to independent adopters.
WHAT IS A STEP-PARENT ADOPTION IN SOUTH DAKOTA?
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A step-parent adoption is when a step-parent petitions the court for adoption of his or her spouse's child (current spouse of step-parent) from a former marriage or relationship. Both the parent retaining custody and the other birth parent must consent to the adoption. Step-parent adoptions do not require an adoptive home study or investigation. The child is not being placed for adoption, rather they are joining the family with a birth parent.
For more information about adoptions in South Dakota, download The South Dakota Child Custody and Divorce Handbook™.
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