The bill amends South Dakota law regarding the requirements for home studies in the adoption process. Specifically, it removes the provision that mandates the Department of Social Services to bear the cost of the home study. The existing law stipulates that a home study must be conducted by a licensed child placement agency, the Department of Social Services, or a certified social worker, and includes requirements for criminal record checks.

By eliminating the requirement for the Department to cover the costs associated with home studies, the bill shifts the financial responsibility away from the state. This change may impact the accessibility of adoption services, as prospective adoptive parents may now need to bear these costs themselves. The bill maintains the existing requirements for criminal background checks and other assessments necessary for placing a child in a home for adoption.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 12/27/2024: 25-6-9.1