Report on Legislative Efforts to Reduce Prison Recidivism and Advance Sustainable Development Goals

Identified Barriers to Reintegration and SDG Alignment

A legislative summer study has identified critical barriers preventing the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. These challenges directly impede progress on several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Socio-Economic Instability: As highlighted by Pennington County State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel, individuals leaving the penitentiary system face immediate and significant obstacles, including a lack of housing, no transportation, and limited employment opportunities due to felony records. These factors contribute to a cycle of poverty and exclusion, undermining SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Inadequate Health Support: A primary focus of the committee is the insufficient support for individuals with substance use disorders. This gap in care represents a failure to address a critical public health issue, directly contravening the objectives of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), particularly Target 3.5, which calls for strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

Analysis of Current Systemic Deficiencies in Substance Abuse Treatment

The committee’s analysis, led by Chair Kevin Jensen, reveals that current treatment protocols are ill-equipped to handle the complexities of modern substance addiction, particularly methamphetamine use. This points to systemic weaknesses that must be addressed to achieve SDG 3 and build stronger institutions under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

• Insufficient Treatment Duration: State funding currently covers only 30 days of residential treatment, a period deemed inadequate for severe addictions. For methamphetamine users, the detoxification process alone can last up to 90 days, leaving no time for cognitive rehabilitation within the funded window.
• Lack of In-Prison Rehabilitation: A significant concern is the reported absence of effective treatment and rehabilitation programs within the prison system itself. Individuals are incarcerated without receiving the necessary tools to overcome addiction, perpetuating a cycle of re-offense upon release.

Proposed Strategic Framework for Reform

To address these deficiencies, the committee is exploring a multi-faceted approach aimed at creating a more effective and humane justice system that aligns with SDG principles.

1. Enhance Community-Based Support: The first step involves building robust parole and community support services. This includes providing resources for housing, transportation, and employment, thereby fostering social and economic inclusion as envisioned in SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
2. Modernize Addiction Treatment: A critical reform is to develop and fund treatment programs that are clinically appropriate for different types of substance abuse. This requires moving beyond a one-size-fits-all model to provide extended care for addictions like methamphetamine, directly targeting SDG 3.
3. Implement Effective In-Prison Programs: The committee recognizes the need to introduce evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation programs within correctional facilities to ensure that time served contributes positively to an individual’s recovery and successful reintegration.

Economic Implications and Institutional Strengthening (SDG 16)

The report acknowledges the significant financial costs of the current system and the potential for economic benefits through reform, a key component of building effective and accountable institutions under SDG 16.

• High Cost of Incarceration: The state currently spends an average of $93 per day to incarcerate one individual.
• Potential for Cost Savings: Representative Tim Reisch suggested that investing in effective community-based and in-prison treatment could lead to a reduction in the prison population.
• Long-Term Vision: A successful reform strategy could ultimately allow for the closure of a prison wing or facility, generating substantial savings that could be reinvested into treatment programs and further strengthening community support systems.

Future Outlook

The committee is expected to discuss concrete proposals for legislation and policy changes at its next meeting. The goal is to create a comprehensive strategy that not only reduces recidivism but also promotes public health, social equity, and institutional efficiency in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article focuses heavily on substance addiction (alcohol and meth) among the prison population and the need for effective treatment and recovery programs.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The core theme is reducing prison reentry rates by making the justice and parole systems more effective and rehabilitative. It discusses the need to reform institutions to better support former inmates.
• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article highlights how former inmates lack resources, housing, and jobs, which directly pushes them towards poverty.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – It explicitly mentions that a “felony record bars them from getting many jobs,” which relates to the goal of achieving full and productive employment for all.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The lack of housing for former inmates is identified as a key problem (“We have problems linking to housing”), connecting to the goal of ensuring access to adequate and affordable housing.

Specific SDG Targets

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
     
     This target is directly addressed through the discussion of inmates dealing with substance addictions. The article points out the inadequacy of current treatment, such as the state only paying for a “30-day residential treatment program,” which is insufficient for meth users who may need “30-90 days” just for detoxification. The call to improve “community-based and prison-based treatment” is a direct effort towards this target.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
     
     The article connects to this target by highlighting the systemic barriers former inmates face. The statement that a “felony record bars them from getting many jobs” shows an inequality in access to opportunities post-incarceration, hindering their successful reintegration and creating a cycle of injustice.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
     
     The entire legislative summer study aims to make the parole and prison systems more effective. The article criticizes the current system, stating, “we send them to prison, and then in prison… we’re not really actually doing anything.” The goal to improve treatment to the point where a prison wing could be shut down reflects a desire to build a more efficient, effective, and accountable correctional system.

3. SDG 1 & 8 & 11: No Poverty, Decent Work, and Sustainable Communities

   • Target 1.2 (No Poverty), Target 8.5 (Decent Work), and Target 11.1 (Sustainable Communities).
     
     These targets are relevant to the cluster of challenges former inmates face. The article states they are sent back to society with “no map, no resources,” specifically mentioning “problems linking to housing, no transportation, [and] the felony record bars them from getting many jobs.” These issues collectively prevent access to decent work (Target 8.5), contribute to poverty (Target 1.2), and demonstrate a lack of access to adequate housing (Target 11.1).

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Prison Reentry Rate (Recidivism): This is the primary indicator mentioned. The article opens by stating the legislative study is looking into “ways to reduce prison reentry rates.” This is a direct measure of the effectiveness of the justice and rehabilitation system.
2. Availability and Duration of Substance Abuse Treatment: The article implies this as a key performance indicator. It contrasts the current “30-day residential treatment program” with the “30-90 days” needed for meth detox, suggesting that an increase in the duration and availability of state-funded treatment would be a measure of progress.
3. Cost of Incarceration: This is an explicit financial indicator. The article states it costs the state an “average $93 a day to send someone to the state penitentiary.” Reducing this cost through effective rehabilitation is a stated goal.
4. Employment Rate for Former Inmates: While not stated as a direct number, this is a strongly implied indicator. The problem that a “felony record bars them from getting many jobs” suggests that an increase in employment for this population would be a key sign of success.
5. Access to Housing for Former Inmates: This is an implied indicator. The identification of “problems linking to housing” as a major barrier means that tracking and improving the number of former inmates who secure stable housing would be a measure of progress.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: sdpb.org