PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The Study Committee on Juvenile Justice of the South Dakota legislature met last week.

Representative Mike Stevens of Yankton says they talked about services needed to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system.

Stevens says rural areas are especially lacking in any type of juvenile services.

Stevens says early intervention is the key.

The committee has three subgroups dealing with legal issues, education and mental health. They will probably have one more meeting this fall to see if they can come up with any bills for the 2023 legislative session.