The State of South Dakota

National Guard state Family Programs establish ongoing communication, involvement, support and recognition of service members and families within the state. The state Family Programs Office, located at Joint Force Headquarters, facilitates this through education, outreach services and partnerships. The Family Programs Office utilizes resources and training, and capitalizes on new capabilities, concepts and technological advances.

National Guard Family Programs provide assistance, guidance and support that enhance the quality of life for service members during peacetime and upon mobilization. This includes family readiness, resource management, mobilization and deployment coordination, crisis intervention, outreach, volunteer recruitment, training, management, information, referral and follow-up, life skills education, review and analysis of program effectiveness and youth development. In addition, the state Family Programs Office provides strategic planning, inter-service coordination and liaisons with higher headquarters, other military services, state and federal government and non-government (profit and non-profit) agencies and organizations.