Recidivism in South Dakota

Author

Allison L. Young, University of South DakotaFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-4-2024

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Department/Major

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Isaiah Cohen

Second Advisor

Dr. Cindy Struckman-Johnson

Third Advisor

Dr. Sarah Thimsen

Keywords

South Dakota, recidivism, incarcerated, resocialization

Subject Categories

Criminology and Criminal Justice | Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies | Regional Sociology | Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance | Social Psychology

Abstract

The South Dakota Criminal Justice System suffers from a high recidivism rate across the state. There are few resocialization methods used within state facilities, and the existing ones have not adequately addressed what is causing the high rate. People who are either incarcerated or were formerly incarcerated have a myriad of systematic barriers that prevent them from finding a stable footing before and after release. This literature analysis aims to compare existing resocialization methods among various countries and states to South Dakota’s techniques to identify which would be most successful for the state. Using a grounded-theory structure for the analysis assisted in collecting data gathered from other articles discussing recidivism, which later helped to determine the best approach for reducing the high rate. This literature review should aid policymakers in understanding what decisions work most efficiently to help keep people from returning to prison.

Recommended Citation

Young, Allison L., "Recidivism in South Dakota" (2024). Honors Thesis. 323.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/323