May 2026 Newsletter
In this issue:
- Investing in Families
- Message from Director
- ECCS Touchpoints, May 12
- Court Improvement Program Training, May 27
- Community Response to Child Abuse Conference, October 8
- Hiring: Training Specialist
Investing in Families
Supporting families today builds stronger communities tomorrow. Paid Family and Medical Leave is an investment that pays off for everyone.
PFML is a powerful primary prevention resource. We asked South Dakotans how PFML impacted their family. To learn more about PFML and other family-forward and primary prevention approaches, visit https://sdcpcm.com/our-work/businesses-for-babies/
Message from Director
We are excited to share that we are stepping into a new role as Managing Director for Children’s Advocacy Centers of South Dakota (CACSD).
This opportunity reflects a natural alignment between CPCM’s mission and the work of CACSD, both of which are grounded in strengthening systems, supporting professionals, and improving outcomes for children and families. Children’s Advocacy Centers and the multidisciplinary team (MDT) model are essential to ensuring that children who have experienced abuse receive a coordinated, child-centered response, and we are proud to support and expand this work statewide.
Through this role, CPCM will deepen its focus on training, technical assistance, and system coordination for CACs, MDTs, and partner agencies across South Dakota. We are particularly excited to help improve access to CAC services, support communities in building or enhancing MDT approaches, and ensure that every child and family has access to high-quality, trauma-informed care. This expansion builds on CPCM’s commitment to improving system capacity and advancing prevention efforts, because when systems work better together, children are safer, and families are stronger.
Chrissie Young, Director
Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment
SD ECCS
The April recording, Connecting Families to Care: Maternal & Infant Health Resource Promotion and Mapping in South Dakota, is now available for viewing.
Join us for upcoming Touchpoints webinars:
Eliminating Childhood Lead Exposure: The South Dakota Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program presented by Brooke Lusk, Black Hills Special Services
Court Improvement Program
The April session, Trauma-Informed Legal Practice, is now available to view.
Join us for upcoming CIP Trainings:
Intersections with Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, SANE Exams presented by Tracey Decker, SD Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault and Jen Canton, Avera
2026 Legislative Session Review presented by Senator Tim Reed
Child Welfare Proceedings and Courtroom Practice presented by Nicole Laughlin, Laughlin Law
New Format. Same Important Mission. Save the Date!
The Community Response to Child Abuse Conference is now a power-packed one-day experience.
Earn 7+ continuing education hours while choosing from a wide range of breakout sessions, hearing from inspiring keynote speakers, and connecting with peers—all in one day.
📅 Mark your calendar for October 8, 2026 in Sioux Falls and watch your email for program and registration details!
Join Our Team
The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) at the University of South Dakota is seeking a part-time Trainer to support foster families across South Dakota. This position will facilitate high-quality pre-licensure training using the National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC), engage directly with families through virtual and (occasional) in-person sessions, and track training completion in collaboration with licensing partners. Trainers will also participate in outreach and recruitment events, helping to connect families with the resources and education they need to succeed.
