RESIDENTIAL
TREATMENT
& SCHOOLS

We provide residential treatment and education in both eastern and western South Dakota. 

Sioux Falls Children's Home is located in Sioux Falls, SD and Black Hills Children's Home is located near Rapid City, SD. 

We serve children between the ages of 4 and 14.

We are licensed by South Dakota's Department of Social Services to provide residential treatment and educational services to children between the ages of 4 and 14. 

We provide services to children with a variety of diagnoses and emotional or behavioral needs, including:

•  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
•  Reactive Attachment Disorder
•  Childhood Trauma
•  Abuse & Neglect
•  Anxiety, Depression and Other Mood Disorders
•  Parent-Child Challenges

We consider a variety of criteria, including:

•  Whether a primary diagnosis indicates moderate to severe psychiatric difficulty
•  If the child cannot be managed in the home or family setting
•  If public school is unable to provide a suitable program
•  If the child presents a danger to self or others
•  If community services are not able to meet the child's needs

Family involvement is critical to the success of your child. 

Children cannot sustain change without family commitment to treatment. We encourage contact and expect that you and your family will participate in therapy services at a minimum of twice monthy to ensure the best outcome for your child. For more information, please contact us through our Admissions pages.

Our staff is composed of highly trained professionals. 

Your child will have direct contact with Masters-level therapy staff, state-certified classroom teachers, speech/language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists and highly trained residential youth counselors and teacher assistants.

Please contact the appropriate location through our Admissions pages to discuss timing. 

The average length of stay is 12-14 months. 

However, your child's length of stay is dependent on his or her unique treatment plan. 

Your child will attend school on campus at either Owen School at Black Hills Children's Home or Loving School at Sioux Falls Children's Home. These Pre-K to 8^th Grade schools are approved by the South Dakota Board of Education. Children in residential treatment and our Day School Program attend school year-round. Each classroom at Owen School and Loving school has a state-certified teacher and full-time teacher assistant, ensuring a classroom staff-to-student ratio of 1-to-6.

In addition to school-specific professional development, all school staff receive 40+ hours of annual training specifically designed to meet the unique development needs of the children we serve.

Yes. Any qualifying student in Residential Treatment or the Day School program will continue to receive special services. If a student has an IEP, it will continue to be implemented and managed by school staff. Occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech/language therapy services are provided in accordance with an individual’s IEP. In addition, all students have access to medical care and psychiatric services as needed.

Follow this link for more information and instructions on how to file a grievance.

File a Grievance

Grievances

If you have complaints or concerns about our care of your child, we would like to hear from you. Generally, your Family Therapist can provide the best information about your child. If there is a conflict with the therapist and it is not resolved with the therapist directly, you may appeal to the Program Director or Executive Director. Contact our Administrative Offices at 605-334-6004 for assistance in reaching the appropriate individual.

At any time, if you are still unsatisfied, you may contact:

In Sioux Falls:

Department of Social Services
811 E 10th St. 
Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Disability Rights South Dakota
4305 S. Louise Ave., Ste. 204
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
(605) 361-7438

In the Black Hills:

Department of Social Services
PO Box 2440
Rapid City, SD 57709
(605) 394-2434

Disability Rights South Dakota
1575 La Crosse St., Ste. K
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 342-2575