In partnership with the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, CPCM hosts monthly online training sessions for attorneys, judges, and other multidisciplinary professionals working with families involved in child abuse and neglect cases. The sessions provide relevant and up-to-date information on the South Dakota child welfare system, while offering unique approaches and standards for best practices when working with children throughout the court process. The sessions are held on the final Wednesday of the month from 12:00pm CST to 1:00pm CST on Zoom.
By learning more you can help keep children safe.
Next Session
May 28 | 12:00pm CT
Independent Living Services for Youth in Foster Care
An in-depth overview of the Department of Social Services/Child Protection Independent Living Program. The presentation will highlight the critical resources and supports available to youth in custody, ages 14–18, as well as those transitioning from out-of-state custody, ages 18–21. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the services designed to help youth prepare for adulthood, achieve independence, and build successful futures.
Presented by Tanya Septka, Independent Living Program Specialist, Department of Social Services
Tanya Septka brings over 26 years of experience with the state of South Dakota, with the majority of her career dedicated to supporting children and families through Child Protection Services (CPS). She began her journey with CPS in 1998 and has served in several key roles, including Family Services Specialist and Supervisor for adoption and long-term planning for youth. Currently, she serves as the Independent Living Program Specialist for the Department of Social Services.
In addition to her work with CPS, Tanya spent six years with the Unified Judicial System (UJS), where she served as the Coordinator of the Northern Hills Drug Court and the 4th Circuit DUI Court, further expanding her expertise in providing structured support and resources to individuals in transition.
