The institutional phase of the reentry continuum spans from the admission and orientation (A&O) process until the point of eligibility for release from prison. This phase is designed to ensure that offenders are provided opportunities to complete recommended programming, based on assessments, that address criminogenic needs before their initial parole date (INPD) or release date. 

The A&O process involves reviewing sentencing paperwork, establishing the Reentry Accountability Plan, assessments, classification, and orientation, and developing an offender case plan, including an Individual Program Directive (IPD) and an initial release plan. Institutional case managers conduct assessments during A&O that determine the offender’s individualized needs, risks, interests, and abilities. The assessments match the offender to appropriate programs, services, work, and educational/training opportunities provided during the institutional phase.  

Specific programs may become requirements included in the offender’s IPD and/or initial release plan. The IPD establishes the standards and criteria for an offender’s release to initial parole or release. In addition, the offender’s initial release plan contains details regarding programming needs. Program staff updates it throughout the institutional phase regarding programming requirements and referrals that may be required before release. The initial release plan must be submitted to the institutional case manager before the offender leaves A&O. The plan is updated and reviewed annually by the offender and case manager.

The transitional phase begins 12 months before the offender’s initial parole date or release date. In this phase, the SDDOC Reentry Team, which includes the Reentry Program Manager, Reentry Corrections Specialist, Reentry Coaches, Transitional Case Managers, Transitional Parole Agents, and Transitional Behavioral Health Staff, creates reentry plans as part of the offender's release plan through case management.

The community phase begins when the offender is released from prison and continues until they are discharged from community supervision. In this final phase, offenders must continue receiving community support. This is accomplished by monitoring their behavior, identifying and referring them to community programs, and developing and growing partnerships with volunteer groups, local law enforcement, faith-based groups, and other community and service providers that can assist the offenders in maintaining stability.