PROGRAMS - SERVICES OFFERED

The mission of the South Dakota Developmental Center is to provide individualized services to people with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors in a structured residential setting only when appropriate services are not available in the community and to develop supports that empower people to make appropriate life choices so they may successfully transition to the community.

The services are divided into three program areas.

Program One serves approximately 65 men with challenging behaviors. The overall intent of Program One is to focus on increasing people’s understanding of how their behaviors affect themselves and others, help people understand the boundaries of appropriate behavior, help them learn to accept responsibility for their own behavior and aid people and their families in replacing negative behaviors with positive behaviors. Program One offers specialized services for people who have been referred because of extremely challenging behaviors. Progress in treatment affords people an opportunity to move to a transitional living area as they increase their ability to make well-informed decisions and choices. Development of vocational skills and appropriate behavior in the work setting are the keystones of training in Program One.


Program Two , also known as the Turtle Creek Youth Program, serves approximately 40 youth with challenging behaviors within five structured living areas and two semi-independent living areas. The Turtle Creek Youth Program is a year round educational and residential program for behaviorally challenged school-aged youth ages 10 to 21. All youth are enrolled in and receive their education through the Redfield Public School. In addition, the program offers training in social, vocational and domestic skills, making good life choices, group and individual counseling, and recreational activities. To meet admission criteria, the youth must have a developmental disability, display behaviors that are dangerous or cause concern for the child or others, have unsuccessfully received treatment in a less restrictive environment, and be eligible for Title XIX funding.


Program Three provides services to a wide range of people of varying ages and skill levels. Program 3 serves approximately 60 men and women, many of whom have very challenging behaviors requiring intensive supports or who typically require a great deal of assistance with daily living needs. Three of the modules in Program 3 are equipped with proximity locking systems to provide a safe living environment for those people who do not possess necessary safety skills and may wander from the area. Based upon individualized needs, training is provided to improve skills in theareas of vocational, daily living, socialization, recreation, and communication.