The Department of Human Services provides assistance to adults with developmental disablities by providing court appointed guardianship or conservatorship services or by providing financial assistance to families or others in obtaining guardianship or conservatorship of an adult with a developmental disability.

Assistance programs:

• DHS Guardianship
  The purpose of the Guardianship Program is to provide guardianship and/or conservatorship service through court appointment for adults with developmental disabilities who are receiving services or financial assistance from the department and who have no other individual or entity qualified and/or willing to serve in this capacity.
• Establishment Program
  The purpose of the Establishment Program is to assist families or friends of adults with developmental disabilities who reside in South Dakota pay legal costs up to $500 associated with establishing a guardianship or conservatorship.