In January 2008, Governor O'Malley announced a phased closure of the Rosewood Center. The FY 2009 budget approved by the General Assembly eliminates the budget for Rosewood with the beginning of the new fiscal year (July 1, 2009).

Rosewood is one of four State Residential Centers (SRCs) in Maryland. The Holly, Potomac and Brandenburg Centers remain open and will continue to serve approximately 170 residents with developmental disabilities. Maryland serves an additional 22,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in community placements. Many of the individuals who live in the community have the same level of disability as those who reside at Rosewood or the other SRCs.

The decision to close Rosewood followed the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's report Rosewood Center - Plan for Services to Residents. The report concluded that the vast majority of individuals who currently live at Rosewood could be served in the community. The report also identified the need for secure facilities and specific programs designed to meet the needs of the individuals with developmental disabilities committed to DHMH by the courts.

Links:

• Executive Order
  http://www.gov.state.md.us/executiveorders/01.01.2008.01eo.pdf
• Rosewood Center - Plan for Services to Residents
  http://www.ddamaryland.org/Developments/HB970Report.pdf