Governor Robert Ehrlich introduced Project RESTART is an initiative to reduce recidivism by increasing treatment and education services for offenders. The goal is to provide 9,800 of Maryland's 28,000 offenders with program slots over the next few years.

"The expansion of treatment and education for inmates in our correctional system is an innovative way to reduce crime, and that's exactly what RESTART will do," said Gov. Ehrlich when he introduced the initiative last year. "We must stop the revolving door that keeps inmates coming back into the system."

The approved funds will create two pilot projects in correctional facilities in Jessup and Hagerstown. While the structure and scope of the programs are as of yet undetermined, they will include substance abuse treatment and education programs, as well as vocational and employment readiness programs.

"RESTART is a philosophical change in the way we do business," said Mark Vernarelli, spokesman for Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).

According to Vernarelli, three-quarters of Maryland inmates have substance abuse problems. A recent study by the Washington, D.C. research organization, the Urban Institute, reported that one third of 324 Maryland inmates released in 2001 were rearrested within six months.

"For years, we have carried out correctional services in the same manner and we have been getting the same results - a revolving door that leads right back to prison. I believe that Project RESTART is an innovative, yet prudent, approach to crime reduction," said Secretary Mary Ann Saar, head of DPSCS, appointed by Gov. Ehrlich to develop and implement Project RESTART.

DPSCS currently operates a system of assessment, referral and treatment for Maryland inmates, parolees, and probationers.

Carroll County, Maryland, is a Demand Treatment! Partner.