A new report presented to South Dakota’s Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force says the state is helping inmates transition back into communities, but significant barriers remain.
Megan Pfeiffer of the Council of State Governments Justice Center said data from inmates released in 2021 shows that 50% remained in the community three years later. Of those who returned to prison, 35% did so for supervision violations and 15% for new crimes.
The report identified employment, housing, behavioral health care, and transportation as key challenges. While the Department of Corrections provides job training, only about 40% of surveyed employers said they are willing to hire former inmates despite widespread workforce shortages.
Housing was described as one of the biggest obstacles, particularly in rural and tribal communities. The report also noted that more than 90% of incarcerated men and women enter prison with substance abuse disorders, creating ongoing treatment needs after release.
Pfeiffer said stronger employment policies, expanded housing options, improved mental health services, and better transportation access could help more former inmates successfully re-enter society and reduce recidivism.
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