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Jackie Hendry

Jackie Hendry

Brandy and Scott Louwagie of Sioux Falls pose for a photo on their couch

'The kids are what you love:' 2 foster families share their stories

State officials say South Dakota is in need of more people to help foster children. News Watch spoke to two families about the system, the challenges and what it will take to get more people involved.

A mural from the Just Us Mural Project (JUMP) in Pennington County, South Dakota.

Painting a better picture: More funding, partnerships could boost juvenile diversion services

Diversion programs can help low-offending juveniles avoid getting entangled in the criminal justice system. Lawmakers recently upped the reimbursement rate to counties for these programs, but not every community has the same resources.

A high school student explains worksheets to second graders in a classroom.

South Dakota's teacher shortage a matter of pay and pipeline

While the Legislature works to address teacher pay, groups like Educators Rising tap current students to consider a future career in education

A child care provider reads a book to a baby.

Are government subsidies the solution to the child care crisis? Lawmakers weigh options.

Legislative leaders agree that the ongoing child care crisis in South Dakota represents a significant workforce problem. Advocates are worried they lack a sense of urgency.

Preschool students in a classroom use wooden blocks to create letters as a teacher watches

Brain development science bolsters calls for quality preschool in South Dakota

New technologies give researchers detail on when parts of the brain develop: "The first year of life and then the first five years are really what we would refer to as very critical time periods for brain development."

Phil Hamman talks about the Gitchie Manitou murders

'Kids look to adults:' Responding to child trauma 50 years after Gitchie Manitou murders

When four teenagers were murdered at Gitchie Manitou in 1973, Sioux Falls high school students weren't given much support to deal with the trauma.

A child with a pacifier in his mouth looks at the camera

My career or my kids? Lack of options forces families to make tough decisions

Parents who would otherwise participate in the workforce may find themselves leaving for years at a time because they either can’t find or afford care for their children.