Foster families: first-aid and CPR standards
First Aid & CPR South Dakota
Becoming a resource (foster) family in South Dakota means providing a safe, temporary home to a child in state care. Among the requirements to meet before approval: holding current first-aid and CPR training.
The first-aid requirement
In South Dakota, first-aid and CPR training is required for resource parent applicants, approved resource families and respite caregivers, administered under the Department of Social Services. It prepares carers to handle common emergencies — injuries, choking, cardiac arrest — and is delivered by a recognized provider.
This certification is recognized by the Department of Social Services as part of licensure, and it is renewed on a roughly two-year cycle; carers may complete first-aid/CPR no more than six months before their certification expires. The certificate is one requirement in addition to the home assessment and evaluation of parenting suitability.
How to meet it
A recognized, up-to-date first-aid and CPR certificate meets this requirement. It is in addition to the required training or assessment, and is renewed periodically.
Training aligned with the latest emergency-care standards
Our CPR, AED and first-aid training is developed in line with the most recent international guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and first aid.
We rigorously follow the recommendations of ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation), the international body responsible for the scientific evaluation and development of global resuscitation standards. These recommendations serve as a reference for health organizations, institutions and professional orders worldwide — and are updated as scientific and clinical evidence evolves.
Keep your skills current with confidence
Every intervention can make a difference. Keeping CPR and emergency-care skills current is both a professional requirement and a responsibility toward patients, colleagues and the public.
See the recognized first-aid courses in your regionReferences
- South Dakota Department of Social Services — Foster Parenting
- South Dakota Foster Care Handbook
- ILCOR — International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Content is being updated.