PIERRE – The Child Support Guidelines in South Dakota are undergoing an in-depth review by the Child Support Commission with meetings scheduled for the next several months.

The 2021 Child Support Commission, managed by the Department of Social Services (DSS), held its first meeting on July 29 to introduce commissioners and support staff, develop a shared understanding of their responsibilities, and plan their timetable. Federal law provides that the review of child support guidelines should be completed every four years and should be carried out in 2020; Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Office for Maintenance Payments has granted a one-year extension.

Afternoon Commission sessions are scheduled from 1pm to 5pm, followed by evening public hearings from 6pm to 8pm on August 26th in Pierre, September 30th in Sioux Falls and October 27th in Rapid City. The last meeting of the commission will take place on November 18th in Pierre. During this time, the public comments received will be reviewed, recommendations for possible changes to the guidelines discussed and discussions on the development of the Commission’s report commenced. This meeting is public, but not a public hearing. Details of meetings and hearings can be found by searching for “Child Support Commission” at boardandcommissions.sd.gov.

The commission is composed of representatives of custodial and non-custodial parents, family lawyers, the judiciary, the legislature and the DSS. The review analyzes economic data on the cost of raising children and complex factors for custodial and non-custodial parents.

The public will be encouraged to comment in writing, by email, or by personal or remote testimony during the three public hearings. Written comments can be mailed to the Department of Social Services, e.g. Child Support Commission, 700 Governors Dr. Pierre, SD 57501-2291. Email comments should be sent to [email protected]. Comments must be received by Monday, November 1st, 2021.

A report and recommendations from the commission will be sent to Governor Kristi Noem and the legislature by December 31st for consideration during the 2022 legislative period. The Commission’s final report will be available on the DSS website at dss.sd.gov.