Aurora Plains Academy

About Aurora Plains Academy

Aurora Plains Academy is a state juvenile correctional facility operated by the South Dakota Department of Juvenile Justice (or equivalent state agency). This facility houses minors — typically between ages 10 and 17 — who have been adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court and sentenced to a period of secure custody. The facility has a capacity of approximately 66 beds. Youth placed here have been assessed as lower risk within the juvenile justice system.

Unlike adult correctional facilities, juvenile institutions place strong emphasis on education, treatment, and rehabilitation. All youth in state juvenile custody have the right to a free and appropriate public education. Aurora Plains Academy provides accredited academic instruction, mental health therapy, family counseling, vocational exploration, and life skills training. The goal is to return every young person to their community better equipped to lead a productive, law-abiding life.

Family involvement is actively encouraged at juvenile facilities. Parents and guardians are typically permitted to visit regularly and may be required to participate in family therapy as part of the youth's treatment plan. Review the contact and visitation sections below for current policies at Aurora Plains Academy.

Facility Type and Security Level

Aurora Plains Academy is classified as a low-security state juvenile facility. Lower-security juvenile facilities offer more structured freedom of movement, community-based activities, and family visitation compared to secure-care institutions. Staff use evidence-based approaches to address behavioral and emotional challenges in youth.

Contact Aurora Plains Academy

Phone

Call the facility at 605-942-5437 to speak with staff about your child's status, programming, and visitation scheduling.

How to Contact a Youth at Aurora Plains Academy

Send Mail

You may send letters and approved reading materials to:

Phone Calls

Phone call procedures vary by facility. Contact Aurora Plains Academy directly at 605-942-5437 to understand the approved calling procedure for your child. All calls are recorded and monitored for security purposes.

Visitation Guide for Aurora Plains Academy

Family visitation is strongly encouraged at low-security juvenile facilities. For the most current schedule, contact the facility at 605-942-5437.

Visitation Rules

• All adult visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo ID.
• Visitors must be approved by the facility in advance — contact the facility to initiate the approval process.
• All visitors and belongings are subject to search before entry.
• No cell phones, recording devices, or cameras in the visiting area.
• Dress code applies — follow the facility's specific guidelines provided during the approval process.
• Parents or guardians may be required to participate in scheduled family therapy sessions.

Visitation Timings

Hours are approximate. Confirm with the facility before traveling.