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Barriers for Emerging Adults

Discover how this task force aims to support emerging adults involved in the justice system in South Dakota. Find recommendations, press releases and meeting materials.

Young Adults in the Justice System

House Bill 1063 assembled a task force to address systemic challenges faced by emerging adults transitioning from adolescence into adulthood while navigating the justice system. Emerging adults refers to individuals who are 18 to 25 years old. By targeting this age group, it focused on improving rehabilitation outcomes and reducing recidivism. The Barriers for Emerging Adults Task Force was made up of representatives from the Unified Judicial System, Department of Corrections, Department of Education, Department of Labor and Regulation, Department of Social Services, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and community-based providers. 

About the Task Force

The Barriers for Emerging Adults Task Force was created by HB 1063 during the 2023 South Dakota Legislative Session to examine barriers to service for “emerging adults” involved in the justice system in South Dakota. “Emerging adults” refers to individuals who are 18 to 25 years old. The goal of this task force was to:

  1. Recommend best practices for supporting emerging adults that are involved in the adult criminal justice system.

  2. Create joint training opportunities for justice system professionals and partners related to emerging adults.

  3. Identify opportunities to expand diversion programming for emerging adults.

  4. Explore ways to overcome barriers to housing and employment for emerging adults.

  5. Explore supervision practices utilized through probation and parole for emerging adult offenders.

  6. Recommend ways to develop culturally responsive, community-based mentoring programs for emerging adults.

  7. Recommend alternative or additional funding structures for supportive services for emerging adults.

Learn More

Materials

Legislative Policy Recommendations for Justice-Involved Emerging Adults in South Dakota: October 2023

A document outlining policy recommendations from the Emerging Adults Task Force, proposing strategies and actions to improve judicial processes and outcomes for emerging adults.

English

Addressing Barriers to Service for Emerging Adults in South Dakota 2022 Interim Report

A document identifying and addressing barriers faced by emerging adults in the judicial system, offering solutions to improve access, outcomes, and procedural fairness.

English

Supporting Emerging Adults in the Justice System Summit Key Take-Aways: April 25-26, 2023

A summary document capturing key takeaways from the South Dakota Summit on Emerging Adults, highlighting insights, discussions, and actionable recommendations.

English