P - Present
E - Excused
A - Absent
Roll Call
P Putnam, Vice-Chair
P Madden
P Koskan
P Kleven
P Greenfield
P Apa
P Duxbury
P Dennert
P Drake, Chair
OTHERS PRESENT: See Original Minutes
(Meeting jointly with House Appropriations)
The meeting was called to order by Co-chair Drake
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Juvenile Community Corrections
To provide intake, assessment, placement, case management, and aftercare services for youth
committed to the Department of Corrections.
The proposed increase of $304,956 includes $295,756 in general funds and $9,200 in other funds.
Because of the high turnover of juvenile corrections agents an increase in personal services of
$135,453 would be used to help bring salaries closer to those of Court Services Officers employed
by the Unified Judicial System.. This would increase staff being raised to job worth of $29,036.80.
Mr. Cory Nelson, Coordinator of Juvenile Services, explained that another problem with retention
is the difference in their retirement system as compared to those under the UJS. Representative
Richter said they would contact the South Dakota Retirement System to appear before the committee
and explain the differences between Class A and Class B retirement.
Mr. Bloomberg reported that as of December 31, 2000 there were 498 juveniles in the various
programs: Plankinton 76; Boot Camp 90; Custer Intake 23; Living Center 57; Quest/Excel 38; DHS
68; Private Care 102; Foster Care 38 and Detention 5. He added that 100 of these are CHINS (Child
in Need of Supervision).
Committee discussion followed on how juveniles are classified as to which program they need to be
assigned to. Mr. Nelson explained that it is quite similar to what is done on the adult side. A CHINS
committee, which is comprised of a representative from the Department of Education, Social
Services, Human Services and Mr. Nelson, meet and review the educational needs, correction needs
and abuse history to determine which program is appropriate for the child.
A listing of the CHINS committee members will be provided to the committee.
Mr. Bloomberg reviewed the various juvenile facilities, the type of juvenile they house and the type
of program they provide.
The meeting recessed at 10:00 a.m. and reconvened at 10:20 a.m.
Juvenile Prison
The $307,724 decrease in general funds and 11 FTEs reflects the closing of the female secure unit.
Living Center
To provide a highly structured correctional program that includes an Intake Unit and a residential
program that emphasizes vocational skills and transitional care services for male juveniles
committed to the Department of Corrections.
Mr. Doug Herrman, Superintendent-Custer Youth Corrections Center, explained that Group A is for
primary placement with a strong emphasis on education and vocational skills. Group B provides
entry into the local community as well as continuing with vocational training. Youth that do not have
home to go to upon completion of the program are also taught independent living skills. Some make
transition into foster care or are placed in the Job Corps.
Boot Camp
To provide an intensive short-term sanction that utilizes a highly regimented military-based structure
for male juveniles committed to the Department of Corrections to prepare the youth to successfully
return to their home and community.
Their budget reflects an increase in general funds of $12,200 and a decrease of $10,000 of other
funds. The request includes a decrease in 3.0 FTEs; $5,000 for additional radios, staff uniforms, etc.
and $7,200 to cover mailing costs.
Mr. Mark Snyder, Boot Camp Director, reviewed the program with an emphasis being on education,
group counseling, life skills, military discipline and physical training.
Mr. Scott Bollinger, Director of Operations, responded to questions of the committee regarding
recovering the cost of care for the juvenile from parents. He said that once the juvenile is released
or discharged they have a system for notifying parents of the money owed and, if the parent should
not pay they are eventually turned over to collection. About 30% of money owed is recovered.
Custer Youth Corrections Center
To provide administrative oversight and direction of education, food service, physical plant, and
security services.
The recommended increase of $275,640 consists of $287,621 increase in general funds; $22,784
increase in Federal funds; and $34,765 decrease in other funds.
The foster care specialist will be paid with Youth at Risk Funds instead of general funds. There is
an increase of travel for the foster care specialist in the amount of $8,500. State computer fee
increase $87,504.
There was considerable Committee discussion on the benefits of foster care. Mr. Bloomberg
explained that foster care is cheaper and better for the juvenile, as it generally means a long term
placement. He explained that therapeutic foster homes are more intense as they are dealing with
juveniles with mental health concerns. Mr. Bloomberg reiterated that all homes are licensed by the
Department of Social Services.
MOTION:
ADJOURN
Moved by: Klaudt
Second by: Clark
Action: Prevailed by voice vote.
Jeanette Black____________________________
Committee SecretaryBob Drake, Chair
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