Addiction's Grip Loosened by County Diversion Programs

In South Dakota, several counties are utilizing diversion programs as an alternative to jail time for individuals, particularly those struggling with substance abuse. Kayla Essen, who faced felony charges for meth possession in June 2025, found a new path through Minnehaha County's adult diversion program. This program, along with similar initiatives in Pennington, Yankton, and Brookings counties, allows participants to take responsibility for their actions while avoiding prison.

These county-run programs, initiated in various years since 2016, offer tailored plans to participants. Minnehaha County's program, started in 2021, saw a significant increase in clients from 80 in 2022 to 181 in 2025, with an 85% expungement rate in 2024. Eligibility varies by county, from minor offenses to some violent crimes with victim consent.

Officials highlight the cost savings and impact of these programs, estimating nearly $1 million saved in Brookings County alone. However, expansion is hindered by a lack of state funding for adult diversion, contrasting with state support for youth diversion programs. A legislative task force's 2023 recommendation for state funding for adult diversions was unsuccessful, leaving counties to manage programs with local resources or minimal fees.