NCJ Number
245353
Editor(s)
J. Kerbs,
Jennifer M. Jolley
Date Published
2014
Length
298 pages
Annotation
The 11 chapters of this book constitute an evidence-based discussion from a multidisciplinary review of the research literature on incarcerated elderly offenders.
Abstract
Collectively, the chapters examine the experiences of older inmates, from courts through prison and reentry. Individual chapters identify and discuss factors that shape older inmates' daily routines and potential trajectories in correctional systems. Chapter 2 critically examines how changes in sentencing strategies have increased the number and percentage of older inmates. Chapter 3 examines the bio-psycho-social needs of older prisoners and policy implications for addressing older inmates' needs. Chapter 4 analyzes the fit between older inmates' bio-psycho-social needs and the services that are provided to them. Chapter 5 presents an overview of the best available research on the treatment of older women in prison, with attention to their sociodemographic characteristics and their gender-specific physical and mental health needs. Chapter 6 analyzes case law and legislation that affects older inmate's healthcare, conditions of confinement, protection from other inmates, refusal of medical treatment, and prisoners' statutory rights. Chapter 7 examines issues in the debate on whether to integrate older inmates into the inmate general population or provide them with age-segregated living arrangements. Chapter 8 discusses the policy implications of the fact that the expensive and limited supply of prison beds in the United States are increasingly occupied by aging offenders who are at low risk of recidivism due to age-based desistance across the life course. Chapter 9 focuses on end-of-life care provided by disease-directed therapy, palliative care, and hospice care. Chapter 10 considers reentry issues and options for older inmates; and Chapter 11 addresses the implications of the content of this book for the advancement of evidence-based programs for the aging U.S. prison population. Tables, figures, and references