June 2026 Newsletter
In this issue:
- The Dad Connection and The Fatherhood training series
- ECCS Touchpoints, June 9
- Court Improvement Program Training, June 24
- Community Response to Child Abuse Conference, October 8
- Join Our Team
The Dad Connection and Fatherhood Training Series
Happy Father’s Day! Dads are pretty great, so much so that CPCM offers two training series about the important role of fathers.
The Dad Connection series includes four sessions by J. Michael Hall, Strong Fathers, Strong Families:
- The Different Roles of Mothers and Fathers and How They Best Serve Children
- Co-Parenting and Co-Piloting a Child’s Future
- Fathers and Their Positive Impact on a Child’s Mental Health and Behavior
- Fathers and Their Positive Impact on a Child’s Education Success—Now and in the Future
The Fatherhood training series includes six sessions:
- Introduction to Fatherhood & Family Dynamics presented by J. Michael Hall, Strong Fathers Strong Families
- Communication and Co-Parenting presented by Dr. Brad Sachs, The Father Center
- Paternal Inclusion: Benefits to Maternal & Infant Health presented by Joel Austin, Daddy University
- Fatherhood and Family Resilience presented by D. L. Pos Ryant, Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization
- Cultural Competency and Diversity in Fatherhood presented by Jillian Baker, The Center for Parent and Teen Communication
- Policy and Structural Factors for Support Fathers presented by Dan Wuori, Early Childhood Policy Solutions
Access both series at SDCPCM.com/Training.
SD ECCS
The May recording, Eliminating Childhood Lead Exposure: The South Dakota Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programa, is now available for viewing.
Join us for upcoming Touchpoints webinars:
Avera Healthy Start: Setting up Families for a Healthy Start presented by Jessica Seiler, Clinical Research Supervisor, Avera Research Institute
Court Improvement Program
The May session, Intersections with Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, SANE Exams, is now available to view.
Join us for upcoming CIP Trainings:
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 highly organized and mission-driven Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist to help children in need find safe, supportive foster care homes.
In this full-time role, you will work closely with the Department of Social Services and a distributed CPCM team to facilitate placement requests and match children with foster families who meet their needs. You’ll use your problem-solving skills, quick judgment, and strong communication to facilitate timely placements, while maintaining detailed documentation and ensuring compliance with all state requirements. This position is perfect for someone who thrives in fast-paced work environments and finds meaning in supporting vulnerable children and families. You will also help recruit, license, and retain foster care families in South Dakota.
As a Foster Care Licensing and Placement Specialist you will:
- Coordinate timely and effective foster care placements, ensuring that each child is matched with a home that considers sibling bonds, cultural context, proximity, and special needs.
- Maintain clear, ongoing communication and strong collaborative relationships with DSS Child Protective Services, DSS Office of Licensing & Accreditation, foster families, and fellow CPCM team members.
- Assist with recruitment, support, licensure, and retention of foster and potential adoptive families.
- Accurately track, document, and report licensure and placement-related data, meeting DSS and OLA compliance requirements.
