The question of whether or not the Maryland correctional system rehabilitates offenders can be answered in a variety of ways, but, ultimately it may be asserted that while recidivism exists in Maryland, prevention, incarceration, and post-incarceration programs are having a direct positive effect upon reducing crime overall in Maryland. The correctional system in Maryland does a great deal to help prevent recidivism and does so in a generally effective way. While no system is perfectly successful short of universal life or death sentences, Maryland’s does enjoy a reduced rate of recidivism since many of their current programs were put into place. The three areas of greatest challenge to the ex-con are: finding employment, drug abuse, and post-incarceration support. It is the purpose of this paper to examine the effectiveness of these programs and to demonstrate that Maryland’s correctional system does indeed rehabilitate many offenders.
