Dog Programs

As it’s often said, life is all about second chances. Change and redemption are indeed possible. 

Another old saying is that a dog is man’s best friend. In the state prison system, dogs are also an offender’s cell mate, at least temporarily.

The South Dakota DOC has created several programs to improve the lives of both the offender and the canine.

Jeff Woods, the founder and CEO/President of Misty Pines Pet Company Inc. of Sewickly, PA, has trained offenders and staff members to implement the programs, which provide obedience training, including potty training, crate training, loose leash walking, basic commands, and trick training.

• Mike Durfee State Prison (MDSP) in Springfield is working with the Yankton Heartland Humane Society on the State Prison Obedience Training (S.P.O.T) program;
• the South Dakota Women’s Prison partners with the PAWS Animal Rescue in Pierre as part of the PAWS to Freedom program;
• the Sioux Falls Minimum Center teams with the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society on the Paroled Pups program; and
• the Yankton Minimum Center has established the PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) program with the Yankton Heartland Humane Society.

The goal of these programs is to increase the adoptability of the dogs and to decrease the likelihood that the dogs will be returned once adopted. A secondary purpose is one of socialization to expose dogs to positive experiences with other people and dogs.

The dog’s benefit from the additional training from the handlers that should increase their chances of adoption, and interactions with humans will provide positive experiences for dogs that may have not been appropriately or adequately socialized. The handlers gain vocational skills, experience personal growth, and develop pro-social skills. Other programs’ findings support that dog programs show benefits in reducing recidivism. 

The typical duration of one of the programs is 8 weeks. This timeline can vary based on a number of factors including the adoptability of the dogs.
   
  

DOC, Aramark creating recipe for redefining futures

Take a dash of training, a pinch of resources, infuse the ingredients with commitment, and allow to simmer to create a recipe for success.

That’s what the South Dakota Department of Corrections (SDDOC) and its food service provider Aramark are cooking up to help state prison offenders get a step ahead when they leave prison and reenter society.

Aramark offers their In2Work (I2W) program for incarcerated offenders to help them develop the knowledge and skills needed to support front line managers in the daily operations of the DOC facility kitchens.

The three-phase classroom and hands-on training includes certification in ServeSafe, a National Restaurant Association program that covers basic food safety, personal hygiene, cross-contamination and allergens, time and temperature, and cleaning and sanitation. Many food service providers require the ServeSafe training prior to employment.

As of July 31, 2025, a total of 72 SDDOC offenders had completed the I2W program. Another 50 offenders are currently enrolled in the program in SDDOC facilities.

I2W graduates can also apply for an internship with Aramark by completing an application and going through an interview process in order to be selected for the program. I2W interns are assigned for a 30-day provisional period, after which a review is conducted to determine whether the I2W intern continues in the program.

I2W interns prepare all food items according to recipe cards and prep lists according to standards while adhering to proper food handling procedures. They also help maintain a safe and sanitary work environment, support in maintaining and tracking inventory levels, product receiving and unloading, and keeping work areas orderly and organized.

Seven SDDOC offenders have taken advantage of the internship opportunity as of July 31, 2025.

Rapid City Minimum Center graduation March 2025

Mike Durfee State Prison graduation    July 2025

SD Women's Prison graduation  June 2024

Mother-Infant program

The South Dakota Women’s Prison features a mother-infant program to foster maternal bonding and provide a supportive environment for offenders and their infant children during incarceration.

Offenders reside in a housing unit within the secure perimeters of the facility.

To be considered for the program, offenders must have minimum custody status, be convicted of a non-violent crime or crimes, comply with program requirements, and be eligible for release within 30 months of their child’s birth. Program participation typically does not exceed 30 months post-delivery.

Selection for the program is based on an application process that evaluates the offender’s current offense, prior criminal history, psychological and medical background, documented drug use during pregnancy, length of sentence, and overall suitability.

Once in the program, offenders take on the vital role of primary caregivers for their infants, which includes responsibilities such as feeding, bathing, and managing laundry. To support the new mothers, secondary caregivers are available to step in when the mothers are temporarily unavailable due to work, appointments, or programing obligations, ensuring that the infants’ needs are consistently met.

Participation in the program also involves a commitment to personal growth and skill development. All mothers are required to engage in a series of essential classes and programs, maintaining compliance with their Individual Program Directive.

The program also fosters community connections by partnering with local providers such as Head Start Services through the Oahe Child Development Center and Women, Infants and Children (WIC). These partnerships enhance the support network available to offenders, offering valuable education and resources for both the mothers and their children.

All of the infants are Medicaid eligible at birth and receive all medical care at local pediatric clinics.

Offenders may be removed from the program either voluntarily or involuntarily based on offender behavior, medical needs, or health concerns associated with the mother or the infant.