Help starts here.
A child can be referred to Black Hills Children's Home or Sioux Falls Children's Home by parents, guardians, school counselors, psychologists, or state or tribal agencies. An Admissions Packet must be completed, which includes applying for residential and school funding. We are an approved Medicaid provider of residential services for children.
Guiding children and strengthening families.
We understand that these decisions are often difficult. Having questions is normal and we are here to help provide you with as much information as possible to help you understand and guide you through the residential treatment and education process. We are committed to helping your child and your family succeed.
Start the Admissions Process
As part of the admissions process, every child must have a completed admissions packet. The packet contains detailed instructions on how to complete the forms and contact information for individuals who can help you if you have any questions. We also encourage you to contact us to schedule a tour and discussion.
To secure placement in a residential program, the following items need to be completed:
Initial Referral
Contact the Admissions Coordinator (Joan Sim (605) 965-3117 or admissions@chdsd.org) to make a referral and ensure child is appropriate for CHS programs.
Residential Funding
(Department of Social Services, Department of Corrections, Tribal Social Services, School Districts, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Parents)
Secure Medicaid funding for residential placement
Complete South Dakota PRTF Referral Form for psychiatric services for individuals under 21 years of age. Submit completed packet to State Review Team.
- CPS social workers—send referral packets to Pierre; CPS state office in Pierre scans the record and sends it to State Review Team facilitators via a PDF file.
- DOC Juvenile Correction Agents—submit referral packet to direct supervisor; supervisor sends referral packet to the Director of Classification; Sioux Falls state office scans the record and sends it to State Review Team facilitators via a PDF file.
- Other referrals—parents, schools, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Tribal Social Services, etc. send the completed referral packet and supporting documentation directly to State Review Team facilitators at:
Dept. of Social Services
Megan Newling /Auxiliary Placements
700 Governors Dr.
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3448
megan.newling@state.sd.us
The State Review Team will request documentation for review that may include the following child assessments and evaluations:
- Psychological evaluation
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Discharge summary and notes from psychiatric hospitalization
- Education records
- Counseling records and history
- Medical records
- Form 534/Child Profile (DSS referrals need to use this form for residential placements)
The State Review Team will review information and will approve or deny the referral. Approved referrals will be forwarded to the PRO-Team for final approval.
School Funding
Secure educational funding
- If the child is in the state’s custody, contact Megan Newling at the Department of Education, (605) 773-3448, or megan.newling@state.sd.us
- If the state does not have custody, contact the child’s school district.
- If the child is enrolled in a Bureau of Indian Affairs funded school in the Great Plains Region and on an IEP, contact your region’s Educational Line Officer.
For further assistance please contact:
Joan Sim (605) 965-3117 or Kay Francis (605) 965-3188 or email admissions@chssd.org
Day School Admissions
If approved for placement, you will be asked to supply the following:
- Completed pre-placement packet
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of social security card
- Copy of immunization records
- Copy of medical insurance/Title XIX card
- Copy of most recent IEP
- Copy of most recent special education eligibility records
- Copy of any other evaluations completed
- Records from any previous placements
- Report cards
