The Council of Juvenile Services is a product of two bills passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor M. Michael Rounds in 2003. Senate Bill 202 made the necessary changes to state law to bring South Dakota back into compliance with the Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention Act (JJDPA). Senate Bill 8 formed a 20-member group to oversee the state's compliance with the JJDPA.

The Council of Juvenile Services serves as the state advisory group and is responsible for the following: (1) In conjunction with the secretary of the Department of Corrections, establish policy on how the formula grants program of the Act is to be administered in South Dakota; (2) approve the state plan, and any modifications thereto, required by 223 (a) of the Act prior to submission to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; (3) submit annual recommendations to the Governor and legislature concerning the functions of the advisory group and the status of the state's compliance with the Act; (4) approve or disapprove grant applications and other funding requests submitted to the Department of Corrections under this Act and assist with monitoring grants and other fund awards; (5) assist the Department of Corrections in monitoring the state's compliance with the Act; (6) contact and seek regular input from juveniles currently under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system; and, (7) perform other such activities as determined by the secretary of the Department of Corrections.

Additional information on the Council of Juvenile Services, including members and meeting agendas, materials and minutes, can be found on the Boards and Commissions website.