Alma v. State, Department of Social Services Office of Child Protection Services

[¶ 1.] Alma and George Small appeal from an order dismissing their amended complaint for declaratory judgment on the basis that the circuit court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter. We affirm.

FACTS

[¶ 2.] On February 15, 1985 the Department of Social Services filed a petition in circuit court alleging that the Smalls’ *16five children were dependent and neglected children as defined by SDCL ch. 26-8, now SDCL ch. 26-8A. The Smalls admitted the allegations in the petition. As a result, the court declared the children to be dependent children within the meaning of SDCL 26-8 and to be wards of…