PIERRE, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The South Dakota Unified Judicial System has released data that spotlights the state treatment court’s success since its creation in 2008.

The data, released during a Drug Court Advisory Council meeting on Oct. 14, shows that 73% of all participants in treatment courts did not commit another felony offense within five years of leaving the program.

Over 2,970 people have participated in the programs. Most of them have already been convicted of multiple felonies when they’re sent to treatment court.

“After graduation, our natural focus is on those who reoffend, but we often fail to appreciate and celebrate those we never see again,” said Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen. “Those we don’t see again are the success stories—they’re employed, paying

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