NCJ Number
174119
Date Published
1997
Length
56 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the status of conditions and services for older inmates in the Ohio prison system and proposes improvements.
Abstract
As of January 1, 1997, the Ohio prison system had 3,002 inmates who were 50 years old or older; it is conservatively estimated that in less than 20 years this number will increase by more than 50 percent. An older offender coordinator at the central office level is needed to help plan, develop, and implement initiatives that deal with the older offenders, both incarcerated and under community supervision. A second male facility specifically for the housing of older offenders, to be located in the northern part of the State, is also needed; older offender housing pods should be available at other institutions. More programming and services designed specifically for older offenders should be developed, including a "wellness" program, an increase in vocational training, and more emphasis on preparing the older offender for release. The number of community placement options for older offenders who are being release should be increased, and plans should be devised for the specialized medical needs of older offenders. As the older offender population continues to grow, more assisted living beds must be provided. All staff who deal extensively with older offenders should be required to attend the 40-hour training program that addresses how to deal effectively with this population. 14 tables, a 57-item bibliography, and appended results of inmate focus groups