The Seventh Judicial Circuit Court has announced the upcoming commencement ceremony for participants completing the Pennington County Drug Court program. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 3 p.m. MDT. It will take place at the Commission Chambers of the Pennington County Administration Building in Rapid City.
The public is invited to attend and celebrate the achievements of the graduates. The ceremony is open to media and cameras and will be streamed live online for those unable to attend in person.
Pennington County Drug Court offers a unique approach to helping individuals affected by substance use or mental health disorders who are at risk of reoffending without intervention. This program partners treatment providers with probation officers, defense attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and judges to provide personalized treatment and recovery services.
Treatment courts such as veterans court, drug court, DUI court, and mental health court aim to treat substance misuse and mental illness while reducing recidivism rates. These courts combine supervision with treatment and support to help individuals achieve stability and recovery instead of serving prison time.
These programs have shown success in reducing jail time, emergency room visits, family conflicts related to domestic violence and child abuse, as well as foster care placements.
For further information about the event or South Dakota’s treatment courts, contact Pennington County Drug Court Coordinator Ashlee May at 605-394-2595 ext. 1223 or via email at Ashlee.May@ujs.state.sd.us.