SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Governor Rhoden’s Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force kicked off its work on Wednesday to assess what programs are best to implement for the future men’s penitentiary.
Task force members listened and questioned testimonies regarding what the state’s corrections system provides for inmates around the state. One initiative that started this year provides a clear direction for reentry.
The meeting followed a legislative summer study meeting focused on prison reform. One defense attorney proposed that the state look into reevaluating sentences as people become older than 60 or fulfill three-fourths of their sentence.
“And we look at a sentence, it’s one person’s opinion at one time, judging one person, so a judge makes their judgment at one time in life. Yet people change; we don’t allow any opportunity for change in our system,” said Ryan Kolbeck.
All but one of the DOC’s security facilities are overcrowded.
In March, the state implemented the Comprehensive Release Planning to provide personalized goal-driven plans based on an offender’s needs.
“Sometimes the folks that are flatting or discharging their sentences entirely, so no parole. Those are the folks that need more help getting stuff set up for them because they don’t have that parole agent. They don’t have that ready access to walk into an office and say, ‘Hey I need help,’” said Kati Belfrage, Safer SD associate reentry program manager.
This initiative will cover all of the inmates released from prison. Inmates will continue to go through a 12-month, 6-month, and 90-day to release meeting.
The DOC has high hopes for this new initiative. When inmates are released, they will have a portfolio containing vital documents, a resume, an appointment sheet, and more.
