PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 4, 2024
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us, 605.773.2031
Sixth Circuit Treatment Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony
PIERRE, S.D.—Sixth Circuit Treatment Court will hold a graduation ceremony to honor participants’ achievements on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at 9 a.m. CST at the Capitol Lake Visitors Center, 650 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre. Leta Wise Spirit from Urban Indian Health, who is a recovery support person, will be the featured speaker.
The ceremony is evidence of the tremendous impact that Treatment Court has on the community. While family and friends receive special invitation, the ceremony is open to the public. Media is invited to attend, with interviews available upon request.
Treatment courts are an effective strategy for treating substance use and mental health disorders 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.
The Sixth Circuit began offering DUI court in 2009 and added a drug court track in 2014. The court is now referred to as Sixth Circuit Treatment Court. The program’s mission is to enhance public safety and to improve the quality of life for participants, families and the community by providing a judicially-supervised regimen of treatment, supervision and case management to alcohol and/or drug dependent offenders.
Participants must complete extensive treatment services, maintain employment, and be proactively engaged within their community. They must live within 25 miles of the Stanley County Courthouse. To learn more, visit https://ujs.sd.gov/Circuit_Court/Problem_Solving_Courts.
For more information, contact Sixth Circuit Treatment Court Coordinator Nicholas Wiebe at nicholas.wiebe@ujs.state.sd.us or 605-223-7618.
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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.