The SAFER South Dakota reentry initiative model is based on the “Transition from Prison to Community Model” recommended as an evidence-based best practice by the National Institute of Corrections. This model establishes a continuum of assessment, classification case planning, and programs designed to address the “criminogenic risks and needs” of offenders in prison and under community supervision.

Reentry begins during the Admissions & Orientation process when an offender arrives at a DOC institution. During the institutional phase, offenders receive assessments that determine individualized programming needs that range from substance use disorder (SUD) treatment to GED preparation. Programming needs are included in the offender’s case plan, which institutional case managers and reentry staff manage throughout the institutional phase.

The transitional phase typically begins when an offender is within 12 months of release from prison. During this time, a Reentry Coach is assigned to eligible offenders to prepare them for reintegration into the community. Reentry coaches ensure that each offender is released with proper identification and a job placement packet that includes documentation of vocational and educational skills earned during incarceration to increase the likelihood of employability. They also administer a reentry curriculum to assessed offenders before release.

Offenders within 12 months of release who are identified with high transitional needs are referred to a Transitional Case Manager who initiates a transitional meeting between the offender and reentry staff to identify a holistic reentry plan. This involves coordination from the Reentry Corrections Specialist, Transitional Parole Agent, and Transitional Behavioral Health staff.

Once the offender is released, the community phase of reentry begins. During this phase, the Transitional Parole Agents work with high-transitional-needs offenders for the first 30-60 days upon release, assisting the assigned community Parole Agent with following through on the reentry plan. During this time, the community Parole Agent supervises the offender in the community until discharge is successful.