PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The Study Committee on Juvenile Justice of the South Dakota Legislature met Tuesday in Pierre; hearing over five hours of testimony, narrowing down on a few specific themes.  Addressing truancy in schools and mental health needs were the most frequent.  Senator J-V Smith of Brookings says after hearing testimony that the JAG  program should be an area to focus on.

Smith also wants to see more effort put toward bolstering the mental health workforce.

Senator David Wheeler of Huron says he’d like to see the Department of Education continue to focus on literacy  enhancement at the elementary school level.

The Committee will meet for it’s third and possibly final meeting in mid-October.