The Second Circuit Drug Court in Pierre, South Dakota, is set to hold a graduation ceremony on December 5, 2024, at 1 p.m. CST. The event will take place in the Commission Chambers on the third floor of the Minnehaha County Administration Building located at 415 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls. Temporary signage will guide attendees to the venue.
The ceremony will feature keynote speeches by Dusti, a Drug Court alumnus, and Sioux Falls Police Department Chief Jonathan Thum. It is open to friends and family of graduates as well as the general public.
Graduation from Drug Court marks a significant milestone for participants who have worked towards building responsible and accountable lives. Throughout their participation in the program, individuals have undergone multiple weekly drug screenings, paid fines and fees fully, and completed extensive chemical dependency treatment. They have also secured employment, found stable housing free from substance abuse, and emerged as leaders in sobriety.
The Second Circuit Drug Court offers an alternative approach to rehabilitation by providing supervision instead of incarceration. This initiative grants offenders access to counseling and support services aimed at overcoming addiction while allowing them to contribute economically by paying taxes during their rehabilitation period. Participants are repeat offenders who maintain employment and repay court-related costs as they strive for sobriety.
For further details about the event or program information, contact Second Circuit Drug Court Coordinator Nichole Larive at 605-201-9395 or via email at nichole.larive@ujs.state.sd.us. Additional information about South Dakota’s treatment courts can be found online.