Transforming Lives: South Dakota's Innovative Court Resource Home Program

In a remarkable act of compassion, Rich Ohm and his wife Beret have opened their home to become the first court resource family in South Dakota, providing a safe haven for low-risk juvenile offenders. This innovative program aims to keep children out of the justice system and detention facilities, offering a cost-effective alternative that prioritizes rehabilitation and community-based support.

Empowering Youth, Strengthening Communities

Addressing the Juvenile Justice Crisis

The need for the court resource home program is evident in South Dakota's juvenile justice statistics. At the end of fiscal year 2023, 84 children were placed in detention facilities or other programs, while another 93 were receiving aftercare services. These numbers highlight the pressing issue of keeping young offenders out of the justice system and providing them with the support they need to get back on track.Studies have shown that unnecessary detention can have a detrimental impact on a child's mental and physical well-being, as well as their education and future employment prospects. The high costs associated with housing a child in a detention center or shelter care facility, along with the logistical challenges of transporting them, further underscore the need for a more efficient and effective solution.

Establishing Court Resource Homes

The court resource home program is a new initiative in South Dakota, currently active in Codington and Davison counties, with Yankton County recently awarded funding to start its own program. These court resource homes serve as temporary placements for children who cannot remain with their families or be placed with extended family while navigating the legal process.The program aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to sending children to facilities in larger cities, allowing them to receive services and support within their own communities. This approach is designed to minimize the disruption to the child's life and facilitate a smoother reintegration into their family and community.

The Challenges of Finding Suitable Families

Recruiting and retaining families willing to serve as court resource homes is a significant challenge. Davison County's original family moved shortly after being licensed, and Brown County has been searching for a suitable family since 2021. Diversion coordinators across the state emphasize the need for families who can be flexible, willing to work with the court system, and have connections to community resources.The licensing process for court resource homes can also be cumbersome, as it is primarily designed for traditional foster parents. Rich Ohm, the first court resource family in South Dakota, described the process as "cumbersome" and not entirely relevant to their situation, suggesting the need for a more streamlined approach.

The Ohms' Inspiring Journey

Rich Ohm, a former law enforcement officer, and his wife Beret, with her background in human services, have embraced the role of court resource family. Despite their busy lives running a business and traveling, they felt compelled to make a difference in the lives of young offenders.The Ohms serve as short-term role models and mentors to the children placed in their care, providing a stable and supportive environment during a critical time in their lives. Since becoming licensed, they have served two children, while the Davison County family has served one child.While the number of children served may seem low, the impact of the program is immeasurable. As Louis Canfield, the director of youth diversion for Codington County, aptly stated, "Even if it's just one kid a year that has to sit in jail, that isn't fair to that child. It's traumatizing."

Expanding the Court Resource Home Program

The South Dakota Council of Juvenile Services oversees the state's court resource home program, providing funding through the federal Formula Grants Program. This summer, the council awarded grants to several counties, including ,000 to Brown County, ,860 to Codington County, ,564 to Yankton County, and ,500 to Davison County.Diversion coordinators across the state are eager to see the court resource home program expand to more counties, recognizing the potential to keep more children out of the justice system and secure detention facilities. However, the challenge of affordability may require a regional approach, potentially requiring guidance from the Unified Judicial System or the state legislature.As the court resource home program continues to evolve, the dedication of families like the Ohms and the commitment of local communities to support these initiatives will be crucial in transforming the lives of young offenders and strengthening the fabric of South Dakota's communities.