The South Dakota Unified Judicial System offers a variety of ways for citizens to get involved in the legal system and give back to the community through various resources. Explore ways to get involved in your community, including advocating for children, becoming a foster parent, providing guardian or conservator services, or joining the Neighborhood Watch Program.
Get Involved as a Citizen
Join the Neighborhood Watch Program
The Neighborhood Watch program can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of Neighborhood Watch was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries. Neighborhood Watch works because it reduces opportunities for crime to occur, and it does not rely on altering or changing the criminal's behavior or motivation.
Provide Guardian or Conservator Services
Help out those in need in your community by taking on the legal responsibility of an individual. The role of guardian and/or conservator carries with it considerable responsibility as well as considerable rewards. Guardians provide a legal responsibility for the personal affairs of an individual. Conservators provide a legal responsibility for the property and financial affairs of an individual.
Consider Fostering a Child
Foster parents make a difference in the lives of children and their birth families. Foster families are trained and licensed, providing 24-hour care and supervision for children who have been abused or neglected. Foster families receive 30 hours of training and participate in home consultations, resulting in the completion of a home study.
Get Involved as a CASA Volunteer
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of the child in court. Learn about how to get involved, find programs and access the commission information.