The South Dakota Women’s Prison is a correctional facility located in Pierre, South Dakota. It was opened in 1997 and is dedicated to housing female inmates who have been sentenced to serve time in prison. The facility is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the inmates while also offering programs and services to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
The South Dakota Women’s Prison is operated by the South Dakota Department of Corrections and is one of several facilities under their jurisdiction. The facility has a capacity of 506 inmates and offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release. These programs include education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and more.
In addition to these programs, the facility also offers recreational activities, religious services, and family visitation to help inmates maintain connections with their loved ones.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 506 |
| Physical Address | 3200 East Highway 34 c/o 500 E. Capital Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 |
| Mailing Address | 3200 East Highway 34 c/o 500 E. Capital Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Monday and Friday: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Saturday, Sunday, and State Holidays: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (605) 773-6636 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The South Dakota Women’s Prison has a long and complex history that dates back to the early 20th century. The following sub-sections will discuss the establishment and relocation of the facility.
Establishment
The South Dakota Women’s Prison was officially established on October 23, 1997, as part of the Herm Solem Public Safety Center in Pierre. The facility was designed to provide a safe and secure environment for female inmates who had been convicted of various crimes.
Prior to the establishment of the South Dakota Women’s Prison, female inmates were housed separately from male inmates in various facilities across the state. However, this arrangement was not ideal, as it often led to overcrowding and other issues.
Relocation
In November 1997, the women at the Springfield State Prison were transferred to the South Dakota Women’s Prison within the Herm Solem Public Safety Center. This move allowed the Springfield facility to become an all-male institution for the first time.
The relocation of the female inmates to the new facility was seen as a positive step, as it allowed for better management of the female inmate population. Additionally, the new facility was designed to provide a more humane environment for the inmates, with better living conditions and increased access to educational and vocational programs.
Overall, the establishment and relocation of the South Dakota Women’s Prison have played an important role in the state’s criminal justice system. The facility continues to provide a safe and secure environment for female inmates, while also offering a range of programs and services designed to help them successfully reintegrate into society.
Visitation and Communication
Visitation and communication with inmates are important aspects of their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The South Dakota Women’s Prison provides several options for family and friends to stay in touch with their loved ones.
Visiting Hours
In-person visitation is available at the South Dakota Women’s Prison. Visiting hours are:
- Monday and Friday: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Saturday, Sunday, and State Holidays: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Visitors are required to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the visitation period to allow for processing. Visitors must present valid photo identification and must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
Video Visitation
The South Dakota Women’s Prison also offers video visitation through GTL. Video visitation allows family and friends to visit with inmates from the comfort of their own homes using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. To schedule a video visit, visitors must create an account on the GTL website and follow the instructions provided.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at the South Dakota Women’s Prison can receive mail from family and friends. To send mail to an inmate, use the following address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
South Dakota Women's Prison
3200 East Highway 34
c/o 500 E. Capital Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and read by prison staff. Mail that contains contraband or violates prison rules will be confiscated.
How To Call an Inmate
Inmates at the South Dakota Women’s Prison can make outgoing collect calls to approved phone numbers. To receive calls from an inmate, family and friends must set up an account with GTL and add the inmate to their approved contact list.
How To Send Money
Offenders may have funds electronically deposited into their respective accounts by individuals on their approved visit list or their attorney as online deposits through JailATM.com.
Overall, the South Dakota Women’s Prison provides several options for families and friends to stay in touch with their loved ones. It is important to follow the prison’s rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of all involved.
Inmate Programs
The South Dakota Women’s Prison offers a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reintegration into society. These programs are designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by incarcerated women, including mental health issues, lack of education, substance abuse, and parenting responsibilities.
Treatment Programs
The prison offers a range of treatment programs to help inmates overcome substance abuse and other mental health issues. These programs include individual and group counseling, as well as specialized programs for sex offenders. The prison also offers a chemical dependency program, which includes education and counseling to help inmates understand and overcome addiction.
Educational Programs
The South Dakota Women’s Prison offers a variety of educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy and earn their GED. These programs include adult basic education classes, which teach basic reading, writing, and math skills, as well as GED preparation classes. Inmates can also take college-level courses through a partnership with a local community college.
Parenting Classes
The prison offers parenting classes to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to be effective parents. These classes cover a range of topics, including child development, discipline, and communication. Inmates who participate in these classes are better equipped to maintain strong relationships with their children and families.
Mother-Infant Program
The Mother-Infant Program provides specialized care and support for pregnant inmates and new mothers. This program allows mothers to keep their infants with them in a separate housing unit, where they receive specialized care and support. The program also provides parenting classes and other resources to help mothers bond with their infants and prepare for their eventual release.
P.A.C.T. Program
The Parenting and Children Together (P.A.C.T.) program is a family reunification program that helps incarcerated mothers maintain strong relationships with their children. The program provides parenting classes, family counseling, and other support services to help mothers stay connected with their children and prepare for their eventual release.
Overall, these programs help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed after their release. By addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by incarcerated women, the South Dakota Women’s Prison is able to provide effective rehabilitation and support services to its inmates.