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SAFER SD program aims to help inmates avoid recidivism

South Dakota state penitentiary in Sioux Falls (file)
South Dakota Department of Corrections
South Dakota state penitentiary in Sioux Falls (file)

The state Department of Corrections is launching a new program to reduce repeated offenses.

The Supportive Approach for Fostering Education and Reentry, or SAFER, program is based on models recommended by the National Institute of Corrections.

"We need to give treatment and programming at the right dose, for the right duration, at the right frequencies, for the entire time offenders are with us, not just at the beginning and not just at the end," Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko said.

According to the Department of Corrections, the program creates a system of assessment, programming, resources to help successfully help inmates reintegrate into the community.

The program also creates more opportunities for offenders to have interactions with family. All facilities will hold at least one family event per quarter.

Ryan is the local host of "Morning Edition". Originally from Iowa, he first came to the Black Hills to study at SD Mines. After graduating in 2019, he was an educator in Arizona and North Dakota before returning to the Black Hills.