Rosewood Center

Rosewood Center

Rosewood Center was a state-run institution for the developmentally disabled located in Owings Mills, Maryland. Established in 1888, it was originally known as the "Asylum and Training School for the Feeble-Minded." The facility was later renamed the "Rosewood State Training School" and eventually became known as the "Rosewood Center."

History

The Rosewood Center was founded in 1888 to provide care and training for individuals with developmental disabilities. The institution was part of a broader movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to create specialized facilities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The center was initially designed to house a small number of residents, but over time, it expanded significantly.

During its early years, the Rosewood Center focused on providing education and vocational training to its residents. However, as the population grew, the facility became overcrowded, and conditions deteriorated. By the mid-20th century, the center faced numerous challenges, including inadequate staffing, poor living conditions, and allegations of abuse and neglect.

Closure

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there was a growing movement towards deinstitutionalization and community-based care for individuals with developmental disabilities. As a result, the Rosewood Center began to downsize, and many residents were transitioned to community-based settings. In 2009, the state of Maryland officially closed the Rosewood Center, and the remaining residents were relocated to other facilities or community-based programs.

Legacy

The closure of the Rosewood Center marked the end of an era in the care of individuals with developmental disabilities in Maryland. The site of the former institution has since been repurposed for other uses. The history of the Rosewood Center serves as a reminder of the evolution of care for people with developmental disabilities and the ongoing efforts to improve their quality of life.

Related Pages

• Developmental disability
• Deinstitutionalization
• Owings Mills, Maryland
• History of mental health care