South Dakota expands education and reentry programs for offenders
Oct. 6—SIOUX FALL, S.D. — The South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC) is implementing comprehensive initiatives to prepare offenders for successful reentry into society through education, job training, and substance abuse treatment programs.
In Sioux Falls, twelve minimum-custody male offenders are enrolled in a semester-long welding certificate program at Southeast Technical College, funded in partnership with the state's Department of Labor. This initiative is part of the Career and Technical Education component of the Supportive Approach for Fostering Education and Reentry (SAFER) South Dakota program.
Scott Day, SAFER SD Program Manager, emphasized the importance of education and technical skills in improving offenders' chances for success after release.
The welding program, now in its fifth semester, has achieved over 80% graduation and job placement rates for past participants. The DOC offers additional Career and Technical Education courses, including precision machining at Mike Durfee State Prison and plumbing courses at Western Dakota Technical College for offenders at Rapid City Minimum Center.
The department is also exploring similar programs for female offenders.
In a parallel effort, the DOC is collaborating with South Dakota State University (SDSU) to expand services for individuals transitioning out of prison. SDSU's Community Practice Innovation Center has received a $3 million grant to implement the START-SD (Stigma, Treatment, Avoidance and Recovery in Time) program, focusing on substance abuse disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery.
The START-SD program will increase access to treatment services, establish peer coaching, expand reentry programming, and provide post-reentry support in Hughes, Bon Homme, Yankton, and Codington counties. It will serve individuals transitioning from the South Dakota Women's Prison, Mike Durfee State Prison, and the Yankton Minimum Center.
Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko highlighted the importance of these initiatives, stating, "With 95% of offenders returning to the community, it's crucial we return them better than when they arrived."
She also noted the high prevalence of substance use disorders among the prison population and expressed gratitude for the partnership with SDSU.
These comprehensive programs aim to reduce recidivism by providing offenders with education, job skills, and treatment for substance abuse disorders, while also working to decrease stigma and increase community engagement in the reentry process.
