Guardianship and Conservatorship Services

The decision to seek guardianship/conservatorship of another individual is never a decision to be made lightly. Guardianship/conservatorship imposes important responsibilities on the individual designated as guardian and/or conservator. It also places strict limits on the rights of the person for whom the appointment is made.

The Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Human Services may be appointed as a guardian, a conservator, or both, for adults with developmental disabilities under its care or to whom it is providing services or financial assistance, but only if there is no individual, nonprofit corporation, bank or trust company, or other public agency that is qualified and willing to serve. SDCL 29A-5-110.

Application for DHS guardianship/conservatorship services through the department

Criteria for application for DHS guardianship/conservatorship services through the department