Data from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System reveals that 73% of treatment court participants have avoided felony convictions within five years of completing the program, breaking cycles of addiction and incarceration since the courts began in 2008.
Treatment courts—including drug, DUI, veterans, and mental health courts—have served nearly 3,000 individuals statewide. Most participants enter after multiple felony convictions. The state’s current recidivism rate stands at 27%, a strong indicator of program effectiveness.
“These are the success stories—people we never see again because they’re living stable, productive lives,” said Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen.
Treatment courts rely on a collaborative team of judges, law enforcement, attorneys, and treatment providers to guide participants through 18–24 months of counseling, supervision, and drug testing. The average cost per participant is $8,000 annually, compared to $33,656 for incarceration.
South Dakota operates 17 treatment courts, all open to the public. Learn more at ujs.sd.gov.
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