The Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center has developed a variety of programs to provide to detainees held in the facility. Upon admission, an assessment is completed to determine the detainee's needs. The assessment includes, but is not limited to: mental and physical well being, education and vocation levels and aspirations, legal situations and obligations, family situations, financial situations, social interactions, and chemical dependency/abuse history.

After consultation with the holding authority, WSDJSC case managers meet with the detainee and develop a program plan to address his/her specific needs. Program entrance is scheduled and coordinated with WSDJSC security staff and program facilitators.