PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: May 1, 2024
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer
Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us | 605.773.2031
Sixth Circuit Treatment Court to Hold Graduation at State Capitol
PIERRE, S.D.—The Sixth Circuit Treatment Court Team invites the public to join them in recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of participants completing the program. A commencement ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 9 a.m. CDT in the State Capitol Rotunda, 500 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre.
With their friends and family in attendance, participants who have gone through this intensive program and have successfully completed all phases will be honored. The drum group Wakinyan Maza (Iron Lightning) from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe will take part in the ceremony. Gov. Kristi Noem, Mike McKnight and Rebecca Porter will be the featured speakers.
The commencement ceremony is open to the public, media and cameras. The ceremony will also be streamed via Zoom for those who cannot attend in person.
Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3xIRq2f
Meeting ID: 852 2748 1125
Passcode: 312771
Treatment courts are an effective strategy for treating substance abuse and mental illness while reducing recidivism and saving taxpayer dollars. These courts have proven that a combination of supervision, treatment and support can lead people with substance use and/or mental health disorders into lives of stability, wellness and recovery.
Treatment courts deliver services for lifelong recovery, keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, give parents tools they need to stay sober and maintain custody of their children, and divert individuals from a life of substance abuse, mental illness and crime. They have been proven to reduce use of jail and prison beds, emergency room admissions, family conflicts associated with domestic violence and child abuse, and foster care placements.
For more information, contact Sixth Circuit Treatment Court Coordinator Mina Bonhorst at 605-223-7618 or Mina.Bonhorst@ujs.state.sd.us. Learn more about South Dakota’s treatment courts at https://ujs.sd.gov/Circuit_Court/Problem_Solving_Courts/Default.aspx.
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About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.