South Dakota treatment courts are hosting special events this spring to celebrate 2026 National Treatment Court Month.
Every day in courtrooms across South Dakota, judges see individuals whose criminal behavior is driven by untreated substance use and mental health disorders.
Unless these underlying issues are addressed, many will continue to cycle through the justice system, straining law enforcement, courts and taxpayers. Treatment courts are the most effective strategy for breaking this cycle. In fact, they are the most successful justice intervention in our nation’s history.
May is National Treatment Court Month and the perfect time to share the many ways treatment courts are making a positive impact on their communities. Seventeen treatment courts serve South Dakota. These programs, which include drug courts, DUI courts, veterans courts and mental health courts, have served 2,970 individuals since the inception of treatment courts in South Dakota. More than 1,400 individuals have successfully completed a treatment court program in the state, a completion rate of six out of every 10 people.
Treatment courts are an accountability-driven approach that combines rigorous supervision and judicial oversight with evidence-based substance use and mental health treatment. Their impact extends far beyond reducing crime. Treatment courts save lives, strengthen families, improve employment and housing stability, and free up law enforcement to focus on community safety.
“Treatment courts are our most effective approach at the intersection of addiction, mental health and justice involvement," said South Dakota Director of Treatment Courts Noreen Plumage. "This year’s National Treatment Court Month serves as a call to action to expand access to this proven community-based solution. Because when one person, family, and community rises, we all rise."
National Treatment Court Month is coordinated by All Rise, the training, membership and advocacy organization for justice system innovation addressing substance use and mental health at every intercept point. South Dakota’s treatment courts have planned uplifting events this spring to recognize individuals whose lives have been transformed by the treatment and support provided by these programs.