Legislative Activity

Who We Are

The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) advances statewide efforts to strengthen families, prevent child maltreatment, and improve child and family wellbeing. We provide neutral, evidence-based education to partners and policymakers on the systems that influence child safety, family stability, and long-term outcomes. We do not lobby for specific bills. We share data, research, and insights to help leaders understand the impact of policy decisions on South Dakota children, families, and communities.

Why This Work Matters

Ensuring a strong start for South Dakota children begins with strengthening the families raising them and the communities that support them. Many parents are navigating trauma, poverty, behavioral health challenges, and complex caregiving responsibilities. Supporting families early prevents costly downstream consequences in child protection, foster care, health care, behavioral health, and corrections.

A System of Levers

Changes in one area of public policy create ripple effects across others. For example:

Reduce support for families → Increased CPS involvement
Increased CPS involvement → Higher foster care and court costs
Childhood trauma → Long-term behavioral health and corrections costs
When we support families early, we prevent far more costly interventions later.
Prevention work isn’t charity. It’s a fiscally responsible investment in South Dakota’s future.

How CPCM Can Support the Legislature

Provide clear, neutral summaries of research and state-level data.
Offer context about system interactions and long-term cost implications.
Translate ACEs science into practical insights.
Share promising practices and potential pilots for South Dakota communities.
Connect legislators with subject matter experts.

2026 Education Priorities

Family Economic Stability

How changes to SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or housing supports affect families’ ability to meet basic needs.
The connection between economic stability, reduced CPS involvement, and safer home environments.

Health & Behavioral Health Access

The role of postpartum coverage, maternal/infant health supports, behavioral-health access, and disability services in reducing maltreatment risk.
How system or funding shifts affect service availability and long-term outcomes.

Early Childhood & Child Care

The importance of home visiting, early intervention, and early-childhood programs for strengthening parent–child relationships.
The role of affordable, quality child care in child safety and parent stability.

Evidence-Based Parenting Supports

Education on evidence-based parenting programs, including FFPSA-approved models.
Guidance on implementation and pilots to strengthen protective factors and reduce maltreatment risk.

Intimate Partner Violence & Childhood Trauma

The impact of intimate partner violence and children’s exposure to violence; both are documented ACEs and contributors to maltreatment risk.
How trauma-informed responses improve safety and long-term wellbeing.

Trauma-Informed Reporting & Response

The importance of strong SANE services, mandatory reporter training, and coordinated response systems.
How effective response systems complement prevention and reduce future system involvement.

Supporting Native Children & Families