New Start for Women

VOA Dakotas New Start is a 24/7 residential substance use treatment program for pregnant and parenting women and women seeking custody of their children. New Start is one of only a few residential treatment programs in South Dakota where women can live on-site with their children (ages 8 and under), allowing families to remain together while women focus on recovery and building a foundation for the future.

Using evidence-based, trauma-informed practices, New Start provides comprehensive services that support both recovery and family well-being. The program’s core services include:

• Substance use treatment
• Parenting skills development
• Mental health counseling
• Health education and medical care coordination
• Employment and education support
• Basic life skills support

Women who are interested in New Start begin by completing a substance use evaluation to determine whether residential treatment is an appropriate level of care. All New Start admissions must be approved by the state of South Dakotas. Following state approval, eligible participants are connected with New Start staff to begin services. The program provides two levels of residential treatment to meet women where they are in their recovery journey while offering a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

New Start is designed to support healthier outcomes for both mothers and children. Program goals include successfully completing addiction treatment, improving physical and mental well-being, strengthening parenting skills, and building skills and resources that support long-term stability.