Public News Service

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in 36 children around the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Creating a supportive classroom for students with ASD

April is Autism Acceptance Month and as rates grow, support organizations in South Dakota hope more children on the spectrum get the tools they need …

Cognia, a nongovernmental organization that accredits primary and secondary schools, says declining birth rates might make it harder for colleges and universities to maintain solid enrollment in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

State universities address affordability amid concerning forecasts

States like North and South Dakota are in a fierce battle to keep college affordable as public schools navigate the ebbs and flows of enrollment trend…

South Dakota's Thunder Valley Development Corporation is recruiting teens and young adults to help mentor children on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The organization's summer leadership academy also gives local youth a chance to learn critical thinking skills. (Photo courtesy of Thunder Valley)

Some SD Native American youth get a helping hand from peers

November is Native American Heritage Month, and a South Dakota organization is working to help establish leadership skills for Indigenous youth…

In South Dakota, a voter registration form with an original signature has to be received by a county auditor's office 15 days before Election Day. (Adobe Stock)

Voting in SD: How does change of address affect registration?

When it comes to elections, all eyes are on the 2024 vote. Civic-engagement groups in South Dakota are trying to make sure people needing help with …

Groups trying to prevent bullying say simple things such as sparking conversations in the classroom about each student's favorite TV show can help establish inclusiveness. (Adobe Stock)

Sense of community at heart of anti-bullying messaging

This weekend marks the kickoff of National Bullying Prevention Month. Those raising awareness hope schools in South Dakota and elsewhere work toward …

In 2020, the University of South Dakota became the latest academic institution to develop a graduate-level studies program, inspired by the Zero Abuse Project, that gives students a more realistic experience in responding to child maltreatment cases. (Adobe Stock)

SD Sees Progress in Boosting Training for Child-Abuse Case Workers

A South Dakota academic program that enhances training for those who respond to child abuse and neglect cases is gaining momentum. In the past …

Organizers behind a community-driven approach in South Dakota to prevent child maltreatment say residents volunteering as tutors can be one way to provide much-needed stability for at-risk youth. (Adobe Stock)

SD Sees Growth with Community Approach to Prevent Child Maltreatment

The federal COVID-19 public health emergency may be over, but there is lingering concern about the mental state of children. In South Dakota…

In findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the average annual cost of care for one child in the U.S. was $10,600 in 2021, one-tenth of a couple's average income, and more than one-third of a <br />single parent's income. (Adobe Stock)

Child Care Access Hovers Over SD Child Well-Being Report

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like South Dakota fared better in the …

The Aspen Institute says more than 1.5 million people attend the nearly 500 community colleges in rural parts of the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Tech College Bucks Enrollment Trend

Community colleges in the U.S. have struggled with enrollment declines. But a new report says schools in smaller towns and cities, including South …

A new national study says rates of online childhood sexual abuse are particularly high for girls at 23% compared to 7% for boys. (Adobe Stock)

Internet Task Forces Balance Tips, Tech Hurdles in Protecting Kids

South Dakota investigators say they're carrying heavy caseloads dealing with internet crimes against children. There's hope new research and pressure …

Challenges such as declining enrollment are creating obstacles within higher education, but new data show that certain post-secondary attainment rates have been inching upward. That includes those earning certificates. (Adobe Stock)

College Certificates Appear to be Attractive Career Path in SD

South Dakota is making gains in college students earning a certificate or similar credentials for specific careers. Those numbers are detailed in a …

South Dakota could soon follow steps taken by states like Utah, which recently approved a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. (Adobe Stock)

SD Plan to Ban Gender-Affirming Care Stokes Privacy Debate

South Dakota is once again locked in a debate over a bill concerning transgender youth. It seeks to ban gender-affirming care, with supporters …

South Dakota's dual-credit program allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn credit toward a diploma, while racking up college credits ahead of schedule. (Adobe Stock)

SD Plan: More Students Could 'Make the Grade' in Career Readiness

Like other states, South Dakota has a program allowing high school students to take courses offered at universities and technical colleges. Now…

According to the National Institute of Justice, childhood abuse or neglect raises the chance of juvenile arrest by 59%. In South Dakota, advocates say that's why it's important to provide more mental health providers to children and young adults so they can avoid entering the juvenile justice system. (Adobe Stock)

Reducing Effects of Childhood Trauma Tied to SD's Juvenile-Justice Efforts

South Dakota has been looking at ways to improve the state's juvenile-justice system. Recommendations could be considered in the new legislative …

An annual report measuring child well-being puts South Dakota in the bottom half of states in such areas as health, education and family/community. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health is Focus of New SD Child Well-Being Summary

A new report said South Dakota has made strides in the past decade to improve child well-being, but its authors say there are still plenty of …

The national Girls on the Run Program has been available in South Dakota since 2006. (Adobe Stock)

'Girls on the Run' Looks to Build Life Skills for SD Youths

In early August, fall registration opens at several South Dakota locations offering a national program geared for grade-school-age girls. It combines …

Juvenile justice reform advocates in South Dakota say a lack of resources for diversion programs in some counties has created unintended consequences for a system overhaul several years ago. (Adobe Stock)

SD to Revisit Juvenile Justice Reform

This summer, South Dakota lawmakers are looking at a range of issues tied to the state's correctional system. That includes another dive into efforts …

In a recent national survey, roughly half of college students who responded conveyed symptoms of depression or anxiety. That's prompted calls for mental-health resources on campuses. (Adobe Stock)

Evaluating College Campuses on Suicide-Prevention Resources

The academic year is winding down for college students, and in South Dakota, some might notice a more responsive campus in terms of suicide …

States such as South Dakota have routinely debate bills in recent years viewed as hostile toward the LGBTQ community. (Adobe Stock)

SD Poised to See More Debate Over LGBTQ Bills

South Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to begin a new legislative session this week. Like previous years, bills surrounding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual…

A new report says child-care expenses make up roughly 10% of a family's income in South Dakota. The percentages are much higher for families of color. (Adobe Stock)

New Report Details Child-Care Issues in SD

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- If South Dakota wants to turn out a thriving economy, quality affordable child care needs to be a vital component, according to a …

This is one the new homes in the Simply Smiles Children's Village on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. The specialized homes provide culturally specific foster care to Indigenous children. (Simply Smiles)

New SD Project Builds Foster Homes in Tribal Communities

LA PLANT, S.D. -- South Dakota has struggled to establish a network of foster parents in tribal communities, but solutions are in play, including a …

In addition to abuse and neglect, a new study says economically disadvantaged children have a risk of premature death that is 1.9 times higher than other socioeconomic groups. (Adobe Stock)

Study Underscores SD Efforts to Minimize Impact of Child Abuse

PIERRE, S.D. -- A new study links premature deaths in adulthood with people who experience abuse as children, and South Dakota groups say it …

An annual well-being report says South Dakota has seen worsening child obesity numbers over the past decade. (Adobe Stock)

SD Ranks Near Middle for Child Well-Being

PIERRE, S.D. -- A mixed bag of news can be found for South Dakota in the latest report measuring child wellbeing in the U.S. As families emerge from …

A number of U.S. surveys from this past school year indicated students encountered difficulties in learning, especially in math and reading, as they adjusted to the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Helping SD Students Recover from COVID Learning Loss

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The school year is winding down, but many educators and parents will make use of the summer to ensure kids can get back on track …

Advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls say they're grateful for new state-level and federal policies, but fear a lack of local resources will keep putting more people in danger. (Adobe Stock)

New Awareness Week for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Advocates are stepping up awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) and girls, but even with efforts in South …

This year, the South Dakota Legislature has considered anti-LGBTQ bills concerning such issues as birth-certificate changes and who can compete in women's high-school sports. (Adobe Stock)

Mix of Hope, Fear as SD Transgender Advocates Organize

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Over the weekend, LGBTQ advocates held demonstrations in seven cities across South Dakota to rally against legislation viewed as …

A new report says most parents are under the assumption that a child can always voice a preference in a custody dispute. But 13 states don't require the court system to consider the child's opinion. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Among States that Limit Child’s Custody Preference

PIERRE, S.D. -- More than a dozen states, including South Dakota, don't require a judge to factor in a child's preference when making custody …

Many educators say the recent protests over systemic racism should inspire more training for school teachers to discuss these issues in the classroom. (Adobe Stock)

Talking to Students About Systemic Racism

PIERRE, S.D. -- The killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis has amplified calls for white people to openly discuss systemic racism…

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Juvenile Justice Alternatives Initiative, more than 200,000 young people a year are admitted to detention facilities in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Juvenile-Justice Reform Movement Aided by Detention Decline During Crisis

PIERRE, S.D. -- A downward trend in juvenile-detention populations during the pandemic is renewing hopes among reform advocates. The numbers are …

High school athletic officials say if girls' wrestling becomes a sanctioned sport, it would be divided into four weight classes at state wrestling championships. (Adobe Stock)

SD Girls' Wrestling Proposal Seen as Breakthrough

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota soon could join the list of states that formally sanctions girls' high-school wrestling. Athletic directors from across …

The South Dakota State Capitol is bracing for protests today from LGBT groups who oppose a bill restricting treatments for children who considering gender reassignment. (Sharon McCutcheon/Pixabay)

Bill Banning Transgender Treatment Advances to SD Senate

PIERRE, S.D. -- In her annual address last month, Gov. Kristi Noem stressed economic expansion and diversification, and the current spotlight on …

Legislation under consideration at the South Dakota Capitol would criminalize doctors for providing gender transition treatment to children younger than age 16

SD Lawmakers Consider Restricting Medical Care for Transgender Youth

PIERRE, S.D. -- A South Dakota bill that would punish doctors who provide treatments for transgender youths is similar to others making their way …

Sex trafficking is believed to be a $90 billion-a-year industry that exploits more than 20 million adults and children worldwide. (dosomething.org)

Gov. Noem Backs Human-Trafficking Bill Introduced at SD Capitol

PIERRE, S.D. - New laws meant to crack down on human trafficking will be introduced at the South Dakota Capitol today. According to the Human …

Research suggests detention of juveniles can increase the likelihood that they will commit another crime. (aclu.org)

South Dakota Initiative Successfully Reduces Juvenile Detention

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In the past six years, the youth detention population in South Dakota has decreased significantly and the number of …

South Dakota schools are required by law to have a bullying policy that defines the behavior and outlines procedure to report it. (geralt/Pixaby)

Bullying Gets the Boot in South Dakota Schools

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Bullying once was viewed as a childhood rite of passage, but now it is recognized as having lifelong implications for …

More than one in four U.S. high school students surveyed said they used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, with the �overwhelming majority� choosing fruit and menthol or mint flavors, according to the CDC. (Krystian-Graba/Pixabay)

SD Public Health Official Supports Ban on Flavored E-Cigarettes

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota's state epidemiologist says he supports a ban on flavored e-cigarettes, a proposal the Trump administration …

Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and left untreated costs the economy $200 billion every year. (Engin_Akyurt/Pixabay)<br />

Making Mental Health a Safe Conversation

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Studies show that more than 43 million Americans suffer from mental illness, but less than half - 43% - receive treatment…

South Dakota Teacher of the Year Erica Boomsma is among 10,000 public school educators being recognized as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week. (South Dakota Dept. of Education)

South Dakota Educators Show Pioneering Spirit

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Teaching is often called the toughest job in the world. In addition to educating a diverse classroom, teachers are role …

A South Dakota task force estimated that 73 percent of child victims do not tell anyone about the abuse for at least a year, and 45 percent do not tell anyone for at least five years. (embraceadoption.org)

South Dakota Recognizes Child-Abuse Prevention Month

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Communities across South Dakota are encouraged to raise awareness about child abuse during April as part of Child Abuse …

South Dakota foster families receive 30 hours of training and also participate in home consultations. (austinstone.org)

SD Makes Inroads on Placing Foster Kids in Families

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota has around 1,600 children in foster care, fewer than 10 years ago and a moderate improvement, according to a …

Homicide is the third-leading cause of death for Native American and indigenous Alaskan women ages 10-24, and the fifth-leading cause for women ages 25-34. (LorieShaull/Flickr)

Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women Focus of SD Legislation

PIERRE, S.D. – Murder rates for Native American women in some U.S. counties can be 10 times higher than the national average for all races…

Nearly 90,000 South Dakotans received SNAP benefits in Nov. 2018, according to the South Dakota Department of Social Services. (nokidhungry.org)

Report: Enrollment Surges for SD Health, Social-Service Programs

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A new report shows more South Dakotans are relying on safety-net programs that help lower-income families. South Dakota's …

The most recent data indicates $11,762 is spent nationally on public education per student, while South Dakota spends $9,176. (heartland.org)

SD Schools Celebrate American Education Week

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota's children attend school for 6-to-7 hours each day for 180 days a year, and it takes a dedicated contingent of …

South Dakota's two metropolitan areas are separated by 350 miles, which leaves 80 percent of the state lacking trained medical personnel to handle sexual assault cases. (wmky.org)

SD Recruits Certified Professionals to Help Sexual-Assault Victims

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — South Dakota currently has only seven individuals who are certified to assist those who report a sexual assault, but a new …

The hardest-to-fill teaching positions in South Dakota are in math, science, high school language arts, special education, career and technical education, and English as a second language. (teacher.org)

Will SD Keep Up the Pace on Higher Teacher Pay?

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - South Dakota teachers no longer earn the lowest salaries in the nation, but a new report says that without vigilance, the …

Since the Affordable Care Act went into effect in 2010, the number of uninsured Americans has declined to 28.3 million from 48.6 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (cahealthadvocates.org)

Health Care Emerges as Top Voter Concern for Midterms

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – As America's political divide sharpens, one issue most agree will be important at the ballot box next month is health care…

South Dakota has more than sixty PTA chapters throughout the state, with nearly 4,000 members. (ccccptas.org)

South Dakota PTA: Arts and Advocacy for Children

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The National Parent Teacher Association is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its student art awards program, known as …

The average student loan debt for a four-year degree from a public university in South Dakota was roughly $28,000 in 2016. (usd.edu)

South Dakota College Grads Struggle With Loan Debt

VERMILLION, S.D. – Another semester has started at South Dakota's six public universities with many students aware that upon graduation…

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