News
MCIW celebrates National Women's History Month
Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs was happy to welcome Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy and Real Housewives of Potomac star Candiace Dillard to the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW).This visit aimed to inspire and uplift the women incarcerated at MCIW through motivational speaking. The reality celebrity shared her personal journey of overcoming challenges and pursuing success, emphasizing resilience, self-worth, and the possibility of positive change. Accompanying her was her mother, Dorothy Watts, a mental health specialist, who provided insights and strategies for managing mental health, fostering hope, and building emotional strength. Together, they aimed to create a supportive and empowering atmosphere encouraging women to envision a brighter future.
IN2WORK graduation at Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI)
DPSCS is proud to celebrate the first IN2WORK graduation at Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) with 11 new graduates completing the program run by Aramark! IN2WORK is a job ready food service program for incarcerated individuals while they work in facility kitchens. The graduates obtained certifications in food service management, kitchen basics, ServSafe, and recognition of the program completion by Aramark. Congratulations to the new graduates, we are excited to see all that you accomplish with this experience!
Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI) held its first Youth Challenge Graduation within 2 years
Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI) held its first Youth Challenge Graduation within 2 years on Thursday, February 27th. The Youth Challenge is a mentor program for incarcerated individuals who are 25 and younger. They are matched up with incarcerated individuals who have shown progress throughout their incarceration. JCI has also partnered with the organization For My Kidz(FMK), whose mission is to provide supportive services to youth and families in order to overcome barriers and uplift themselves by providing resources, activities, and engagement. FMK has a proven 87% success rate with returning citizens enrolled in their programing. The graduation consisted of music performances, poetry, role plays, all of which showcased growth, changing their mindset, and overcoming barriers. Congratulations to our youth and their mentors!
Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI) hosted their first Art Expo
Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI) hosted their first Art Expo, showcasing the talented work of incarcerated individuals behind the walls. DPSCS was proud to welcome Warren Hyson as the keynote speaker of the event. Warren was a juvenile that was sentenced to life in prison. During his incarceration, Warren discovered art as a lifeline and tool to channel his emotions, confront his past, and envision a future for himself behind the wall. Today, Warren is no longer incarcerated and is a mentor for youth in D.C. acting as a Credible Messenger through offering guidance, empathy, and humility. We are so proud of Warren Hyson's success, and are grateful for his presence at the Art Expo Event, serving as an inspiration for our artists behind the wall. Art has proven to be therapeutic for these men, as it has become an outlet to convey their emotions and personal growth. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the JCI Art Expo and to our artists behind the wall for sharing their talent with us!
It is with immense pride and joy that we share the excellent news of Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs' recognition as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women for 2025, as announced by The Daily Record.
For the past thirty years, The Daily Record has honored exceptional women who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their professional careers, community leadership, and mentoring. Secretary Scruggs' inclusion in this prestigious list is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
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Join WBAL for an exclusive Tommy Clark interview with Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs as she discusses the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services' (DPSCS) ongoing efforts to address staffing shortages and enhance safety measures. Secretary Scruggs shares insights on the department's progress, challenges, and future plans. Don't miss this in-depth look at the critical issues facing our correctional system and the steps being taken to ensure a safer environment for all. Read the full story and watch the segment Click here for the full story.
The United States has one of the highest incarceration rates globally, disproportionately affecting Black and historically marginalized communities. Black men and women are significantly overrepresented in the prison population, highlighting systemic inequalities in education, employment, and the economy. Click here for the full story.
MCE C.A.R.E.S. Partners with Industrial Bank
Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE), Continuing Allocation of Reentry Services (C.A.R.E.S.), has partnered with Industrial Bank, a Minority-Owned Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), based in Washington, DC, to assist program participants with opening bank accounts to save for the future. Click here for the full story.
