Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

Building for Success

Correctional Education

After increasing communication between DOC and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) in 2008, enrollment went from just 3,558 students in August of 2008 to 4,153 in May 2009. The Department was also able to increase the percent of available educational seats being filled from 87% to 96% over the same period.

DPSCS transferred the vital function of correctional education from MSDE to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR) in 2009. This will dramatically improve certifications, working agreements with labor unions, and training opportunities for inmates behind the fence. Employment upon release is a key factor in reducing recidivism among ex-offenders.

Vital Records, Identification - One Step Ahead

During FY09, DPSCS formalized efforts to provide offenders returning to the community with basic identification documentation necessary when applying for employment, housing assistance and medical care - vital first steps towards a successful transition back into the community.

Through agreements with MD Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, MD Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and the US Social Security Administration, DPSCS began to make basic identification documentation available to every offender leaving a Maryland prison. DPSCS and t

DPSCS and the MVA also piloted a program to enable inmates to obtain renewed driver’s licenses or MVA-issued identification cards utilizing the MVA mobile office. The bus visits two minimum security prisons each month, with plans to expand in 2010. The MVA also now accepts DOC identification cards as an official State ID.

Workforce Development

Maryland Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE) employed a record 1,876 inmates on average per month in FY09, and also provided 2.7 million hours of training. Employment with MCE is sought-after by inmates, with jobs ranging from meat cutting to agriculture and furniture making.

MCE also launched their online shopping feature in July 2009. Bringing the buying process into the 21st century, customers can now order MCE products with the click of a mouse.

MCE CARES

In an effort to expand the benefit of the workplace experience for offenders getting ready to return home, MCE created the CARES program – Continuing Allocation of Reentry Services. The program operates out of the Central Laundry Plant at the Central Maryland Correctional Facility.

Offenders who have had at least one year of MCE employment while incarcerated and are within two years of their release date workduring the day, while attending cognitive and employment readiness classes in the evening. The program culminates with a graduation ceremony.

MCE has also created a full-time exit and community connections staff position to help these and other MCE employees with job placement upon release.