SHELTER FOR
FAMILY SAFETY
SAFETY ALERT: If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. There is always a computer trail, but you can leave this site quickly by clicking the "Leave Site" button.
Counseling Services
We offer free counseling for adult and child survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking and child abuse. Therapists provide trauma-informed, hope-centered therapy in a safe, confidential setting.
Counseling is available to individuals in the community, as well as the clients residing in our emergency shelter. Services are offered in-person or via telehealth for adults, adolescents, and children ages five and older.
Support Groups
Support groups provide survivors with an opportunity to heal and learn from others. Our current groups include a Women’s Survivors group, a Men’s Survivors group and LGBTQ+ Survivors group. Support groups are open and may be joined at any time.
Discussion topics include the dynamics of domestic violence, crisis issues caused by domestic violence, the impact of traumatic experiences on daily living, staying safe, self-esteem issues and healthy relationships.
Flex Accordion
The Flex Accordion is capable of producing a rich and vibrant sound, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles, such as folk, polka, tango, zydeco, and even some contemporary genres.
We provide support for women who have experienced emotional, sexual, and/or physical violence in their relationships.
Women's Support Group is open and may be joined by anyone at any time. No pre-registration is required and there is no cost to attend.
Discussion topics include the dynamics of domestic violence, crisis issues caused by domestic violence, the impact of traumatic experiences on daily living, staying safe, self-esteem issues and healthy relationships.
Women's Support Group take place at Children's Home Shelter for Family Safety. No registration necessary:
- Thursday from 4:00-5:30 pm
How can you file a Protection Order?
If you have experienced domestic violence, we highly encourage you to consider obtaining a protection order.
A Protection Order is a document issued by a court and signed by a judge to help protect you from harassment or abuse. In an Order of Protection, a judge can set limits on your partner's behavior. Among other things, a judge can:
- Order your partner to stop abusing you and your children
- Tell your partner to leave and stay away from your home, your workplace and your family
- Direct your partner to have no contact with you—including no phone calls, letters, emails or messages through other people
- Order your partner to stay away from the children, their babysitter, day care or school
Although a protection order is not a guarantee that abusive behavior will stop, protection orders have been proven to be relatively effective in domestic violence situations. There is no fee to get a Protection Order and they can be granted for up to 5 years.
South Dakota has two types of protection order forms:
For each type of protection order, you must complete the following:
- Petitioner Information Form (UJS-090B)
- Respondent Information Form (UJS-090C)
- Petition Form (UJS-091A)
We know these forms can be very confusing and overwhelming. If you would like assistance in completing these forms, come to Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety or call us at 605-338-4880 for help.
Otherwise, download our checklist to ensure you have completed the Protection Order forms as accurately as possible.
If you’re in a situation where leaving may not be possible or you’re not ready to leave, thinking about safety for yourself and others in your home is essential. Creating a safety plan can help you manage risks and prepare for emergencies. Each safety plan should include safe places you could go if you decide to leave, and trusted people who can support you when you’re ready.
Download a sample safety plan to get started.
Meet Our Therapists
Jeanne W, MA, LPC
Jeanne has been serving the mission of Children’s Home Society for more than 25 years, initially providing home-based individual and family therapy, then as a therapist in residential treatment. Through providing individual, group and family therapy in these settings, Jeanne helped children and adults who have experienced trauma as well as mental health, parenting and relational challenges.
Jeanne offers counseling at Shelter and first-time mothers who participate in the Bright Start program. She uses an integrative, person-centered approach when working with adults and children, helping with areas that might include the spectrum of trauma, depression, anxiety, attachment, parenting, personal wellness, and relationship dynamics.
Jeanne W received an undergraduate degree in Child Development and Family Relationships from South Dakota State University and an MA in Educational Psychology and Counseling from the University of South Dakota. An extended undergraduate internship working in a shelter for domestic violence grew her understanding and passion for helping survivors find renewed hope, discern their direction and provide support in their individual journeys.
Tina R, MA
Tina R. joined Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety in January 2023. She has worked in various human services capacities as a case manager connecting clients to resources, a home-based therapist providing individual therapy, and as a educator facilitating mental health and suicide prevention training.
Tina offers counseling to children and adults, using a person-centered approach as well as solution-focused counseling. Tina works with clients to create a collaborative relationship and a safe non-judgmental space to work through their concerns. Tina is currently under supervision for her professional counseling license. She received her BS in Psychology from South Dakota State University, and her MA in counseling from Adams State University.
Rachel A., MA, LPC-Supervisee, NCC
Rachel A. joined Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety in March of 2024. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Sioux Falls and received a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Colorado Christian University. Prior to starting at Shelter for Family Safety, Rachel worked in a variety of non-profit settings, including as a therapist in a community mental health clinic.
Compassion and trust are guiding principles for Rachel’s work as a therapist. She utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach to meet her clients where they are. Rachel is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy to further support clients who have experienced trauma. She hopes to create a safe space where clients find support, feel valued, and gain clarity to foster growth in client’s lives.
Domestic violence does not define who you are.
Call our crisis hotline for help.
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