PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: March 27, 2024
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer
Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us | 605.773.2031
Pennington County Drug Court to Hold Commencement Ceremony
PIERRE, S.D.—The Pennington County Drug 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, April 3, 2024, at 3 p.m. MDT at the Pennington County Courthouse.
Pennington County Drug Court provides an innovative approach to rehabilitating those substantially impacted by a substance use disorder or mental health disorder who are likely to continue to be involved in the criminal justice system without intervention. This is a public health approach to justice reform in which treatment providers partner with probation, defense, prosecution, law enforcement and the judge to ensure individuals before the courts receive personalized and evidence-based treatment, ongoing support and recovery services.
With their friends and family in attendance, participants who have gone through this rigorous program and have successfully completed all phases will be honored. The commencement ceremony is open to the public, media and cameras. The event will take place in Courtroom C2 (third floor) of the Pennington County Courthouse at 315 St. Joseph St. in Rapid City. The ceremony will also be streamed live at https://www.sd.net/UJSCourt2 for those who cannot attend in person.
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. Instead of prison time, 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 Pennington County Drug Court Coordinator Ashlee May at 605-394-2595 ext. 1223 or Ashlee.May@ujs.state.sd.us.
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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.