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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
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Results for elderly inmates
17 results foundAuthor: Turner, Shelley Title: Growing Old in Prison? A Review of National and International Research on Ageing Offenders Summary: This review examines the Australian and international research and other relevant literature that deals with issues surrounding the effective management and care of old and ageing offenders in prison and in the community. It summarises the key themes emerging from the literature, noting a need for greater international and local research, and identifies why this is a significant issue. The review also examines innovative approaches to policy and the management of older offenders and identifies best practice in relation to older prisoner detention, rehabilitation and postrelease support. Details: Melbourne: Victoria Department of Justice, 2010. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Corrections Research Paper Series, Paper No. 03: Accessed March 18, 2011 at: http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/f963c3004389a48aa7abff34222e6833/Corrections_Research_Paper3_WEB2010.pdf?MOD=AJPERES Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/f963c3004389a48aa7abff34222e6833/Corrections_Research_Paper3_WEB2010.pdf?MOD=AJPERES Shelf Number: 121069 Keywords: Ageing OffendersElderly InmatesElderly Offenders |
Author: Oklahoma Department of Corrections Title: Managing Increasing Aging Inmate Populations Summary: The inmate population 50 years of age and older in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections has grown from 85 in 1980 to over 3600 in FY 2008. The projected population by FY 2013 is 5,354, a further 48% increase, while the overall inmate population is expected to grow at most 10%. This should concern state correctional officials and government policymakers for the foreseeable future. The growth will require greater attention to training, programs, materials, facilities, and care oriented specifically to this population and to its subgroups, such as female inmates. This in turn will mean greater costs, perhaps 2-3 times those of the general inmate population. Thus, even if general population growth plateaus or decreases in coming years, the costs of the “aging” inmate population could keep necessary overall expenditures at current or higher levels. Correctional officials and government policymakers in Oklahoma need to continue planning for this future with the blueprints laid out by the research and analysis put forward in this paper. Failure to adjust appropriately will likely mean even higher eventual costs. Details: Oklahoma City, OK: Oklahoma Department of Corrections, 2008. 10p. Source: Internet Resource: DOC White Paper: Accessed April 27, 2011 at: http://www.doc.state.ok.us/adminservices/ea/Aging%20White%20Paper.pdf Year: 2008 Country: United States URL: http://www.doc.state.ok.us/adminservices/ea/Aging%20White%20Paper.pdf Shelf Number: 121511 Keywords: Elderly InmatesInmates (Oklahoma)Prisons (Oklahoma) |
Author: American Civil Liberties Union Title: At America's Expense: The Mass Incarceration of the Elderly Summary: At America’s Expense compiles extensive data detailing epidemic of aging prisoners in the United States. It provides a comprehensive 50-state and federal analysis of the unnecessary incarceration of aging prisoners and provides a fiscal analysis showing the actual amount states would save, on average, by releasing aging prisoners: over $66,000 per year per released prisoner. The report also includes new data showing that the elderly population is growing because of harsh sentencing laws and not because of new crimes, as well as data highlighting the low public safety risks posed by elderly prisoners. At America’s Expense supplies detailed and practical legislative solutions that states and the federal government can implement to address the dramatic and costly growth in the number of elderly prisoners without putting communities at risk. Details: New York: American Civil Liberties Union, 2012. 98p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 20, 2012 at https://www.aclu.org/files/assets/elderlyprisonreport_20120613_1.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: https://www.aclu.org/files/assets/elderlyprisonreport_20120613_1.pdf Shelf Number: 125389 Keywords: Corrections AdministrationCorrections ReformElderly InmatesImprisonment |
Author: U.S. Government Accountability Office Title: Bureau of Prisons: Growing Inmate Crowding Negatively Affects Inmates, Staff, and Infrastructure Summary: The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) 9.5 percent population growth from fiscal years 2006 through 2011 exceeded the 7 percent increase in its rated capacity, and BOP projects continued population growth. Growth was most concentrated among male inmates, and in 2011, 48 percent of the inmates BOP housed were sentenced for drugs. From fiscal years 2006 through 2011, BOP increased its rated capacity by about 8,300 beds as a result of opening 5 new facilities and closing 4 minimum security camps, but because of the population expansion, crowding (or population in excess of rated capacity) increased from 36 to 39 percent. In 2011 crowding was most severe (55 percent) in highest security facilities. BOP’s 2020 long-range capacity plan projects continued growth in the federal prison population from fiscal years 2012 through 2020, with systemwide crowding exceeding 45 percent through 2018. According to BOP, the growth in the federal inmate population has negatively affected inmates, staff, and infrastructure, but BOP has acted within its authority to help mitigate the effects of this growth. BOP officials reported increased use of double and triple bunking, waiting lists for education and drug treatment programs, limited meaningful work opportunities, and increased inmate-to-staff ratios. These factors, taken together, contribute to increased inmate misconduct, which negatively affects the safety and security of inmates and staff. BOP officials and union representatives voiced concerns about a serious incident occurring. To manage its growing population, BOP staggers meal times and segregates inmates involved in disciplinary infractions, among other things. The five states in GAO’s review have taken more actions than BOP to reduce their prison populations, because these states have legislative authority that BOP does not have. These states have modified criminal statutes and sentencing, relocated inmates to local facilities, and provided inmates with additional opportunities for early release. BOP generally does not have similar authority. For example, BOP cannot shorten an inmate’s sentence or transfer inmates to local prisons. Efforts to address the crowding issue could include (1) reducing the inmate population by actions such as reforming sentencing laws, (2) increasing capacity by actions such as constructing new prisons, or (3) some combination of both. Why GAO Did This Study BOP operates 117 federal prisons to house approximately 178,000 federal offenders, and contracts with private companies and some state governments to house about another 40,000 inmates. BOP calculates the number of prisoners that each BOP run institution can house safely and securely (i.e., rated capacity). GAO was asked to address (1) the growth in BOP’s population from fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and BOP’s projections for inmate population and capacity; (2) the effects of a growing federal prison population on operations within BOP facilities, and the extent to which BOP has taken actions to mitigate these effects; and (3) actions selected states have taken to reduce their prison populations, and the extent to which BOP has implemented similar initiatives. GAO analyzed BOP’s inmate population data from fiscal years 2006 through 2011, BOP’s 2020 long-range capacity plan, and BOP policies and statutory authority. GAO visited five federal prisons chosen on the basis of geographic dispersion and varying security levels. The results are not generalizable, but provide information on the effects of a growing prison population. GAO selected five states based on actions they took to mitigate the effects of their growing prison populations—and assessed the extent to which their actions would be possible for BOP. GAO makes no recommendations in this report. BOP provided technical clarifications, which GAO incorporated where appropriate. Details: Washington, DC: GAO, 2012. 92p. Source: Internet Resource: GAO-12-743: Accessed September 17, 2012 at: http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648123.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648123.pdf Shelf Number: 126353 Keywords: Elderly InmatesPrison AdministrationPrison OvercrowdingPrisonersU.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons |
Author: Gobeil, Renee Title: Older Incarcerated Women Offenders: Social Support and Health Needs Summary: Due to the increasing aging offender population, and the limited research on older women offenders, a recent profile of older federal women offenders was undertaken by the Research Branch. While that study provided a preliminary descriptive profile of the levels of risk and need of older women, it also identified several areas that would benefit from further investigation. As a follow-up to the initial profile report, the goal of current study was to collect information concerning the unique needs of older women offenders in the areas of social support and health. What we did Interviews were conducted with 30 federal women offenders over the age of 50. The interview focused on the women's perceptions and experiences with sources of social support both internal and external to the institutions. Additionally, women's concerns regarding their physical and mental health, as well as their experiences with health care services were also explored throughout the interview. What we found Women were asked about their sources of social support outside (family, friends, community groups) and inside (staff, other inmates, programs/activities) the correctional facilities. All the women reported having at least one source of support available to them outside of the facility. Overall, they ranked the support they received from these external sources higher compared to institutional sources of support within the facilities. Most older women offenders (96%) identified having two or more physical health problems at the time of the study. Three common physical health problems that primarily affect older women include menopause, cancer (breast, uterus, and cervix), and osteoporosis. Half the women reported that they had experienced a mental health condition, symptom, or diagnosis since admission. Overall, older women were mostly satisfied with physical health care and psychological services; however, they identified limited access to both physical and mental health staff as an area of improvement. What it means Areas of improvement identified by the women include separate housing for older and younger offenders, and increased access to alternative health care options. Increased knowledge of these and other specific need areas will assist the Women Offender Sector in effectively addressing current barriers and planning for upcoming decisions relating to the use of new infrastructure. Details: Ottawa: Correctional Service Canada, 2012. 83p. To obtain a PDF version of the full report, contact the following address: research@csc-scc.gc.ca Source: Internet Resource: 2012 No. R-275: Accessed March 28, 2014 at: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/005/008/092/005008-0275-eng.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Canada URL: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/005/008/092/005008-0275-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 132023 Keywords: Elderly InmatesFemale InmatesFemale OffendersHealth Care |
Author: Pew Charitable Trusts Title: State Prison Health Care Spending: An examination Summary: Health care and corrections have emerged as fiscal pressure points for states in recent years as rapid spending growth in each area has competed for scarce revenue. Not surprisingly, the intersection of these two spheres - health care for prison inmates - also has experienced a ramp-up, reaching nearly $8 billion in 2011. Under the landmark 1976 Estelle v. Gamble decision, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that prisoners have a constitutional right to adequate medical attention and concluded that the Eighth Amendment is violated when corrections officials display "deliberate indifference" to an inmate's medical needs. The manner in which states manage prison health care services that meet these legal requirements affects not only inmates' health, but also the public's health and safety and taxpayers' total corrections bill. Effectively treating inmates' physical and mental illnesses, including substance use disorders, improves their well-being and can reduce the likelihood that they will commit new crimes or violate probation once released. The State Health Care Spending Project previously examined cost data from 44 states and found that prison health care spending increased dramatically from fiscal year 2001 to 2008. However, new data from a survey of budget and finance staff officials in each state's department of corrections, administered by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Vera Institute of Justice, show that some states may be reversing this trend. This report examines the factors driving costs by analyzing new data on all 50 states' prison health care spending from fiscal 2007 to 2011. It also describes a variety of promising strategies that states are using to manage spending, including the use of tele-health technology, improved management of health services contractors, Medicaid financing, and medical or geriatric parole. The project's analysis of the survey data yielded the following findings: - Correctional health care spending rose in 41 states from fiscal 2007 to 2011, with median growth of 13 percent, after adjusting for inflation. - Per-inmate health care spending also rose in 39 states over the period, with a median growth of 10 percent. - In a majority of states, however, total spending and per-inmate spending peaked before fiscal 2011. Nationwide, prison health care spending totaled $7.7 billion in fiscal 2011, down from a peak of $8.2 billion in fiscal 2009. The downturn in spending was due, in part, to a reduction in state prison populations. - From fiscal 2007 to 2011, the share of older inmates - who typically require more expensive care - rose in all but two of the 42 states that submitted prisoner age data. Not surprisingly, states where older inmates represented a relatively large share of the total prisoner population tended to incur higher per-inmate health care spending. As states work to manage prison health care expenditures, a downturn in spending was a positive development as long as it did not come at the expense of access to quality care. But states continue to face a variety of challenges that threaten to drive costs back up. Chief among these is a steadily aging prison population. Details: Washington, DC: Pew Charitable Trusts, 2014. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 30, 2014 at: http://www.pewtrusts.org/~/media/Assets/2014/07/StatePrisonHealthCareSpendingReport.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United States URL: http://www.pewtrusts.org/~/media/Assets/2014/07/StatePrisonHealthCareSpendingReport.pdf Shelf Number: 133833 Keywords: Costs of CorrectionsElderly InmatesHealth CareMentally Ill OffendersPrisoners (U.S.) |
Author: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, Evaluation and Inspections Division Title: The Impact of an Aging Inmate Population on the Federal Bureau of Prisons Summary: In September 2013, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) incarcerated 164,566 federal inmates in 119 BOP-managed institutions.1 According to BOP data, inmates age 50 and older were the fastest growing segment of its inmate population, increasing 25 percent from 24,857 in fiscal year (FY) 2009 to 30,962 in FY 2013.2 By contrast, during the same period, the population of inmates 49 and younger decreased approximately 1 percent, including an even larger decrease of 29 percent in the youngest inmates (age 29 and younger). Based on BOP cost data, we estimate that the BOP spent approximately $881 million, or 19 percent of its total budget, to incarcerate aging inmates in FY 2013.3 The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted this review to assess the aging inmate population's impact on the BOP's inmate management, including costs, health services, staffing, housing, and programming. We also assessed the recidivism of inmates who were age 50 and older at the time of their release. Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, 2015. 72p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 13, 2015 at: https://oig.justice.gov/reports/2015/e1505.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: https://oig.justice.gov/reports/2015/e1505.pdf Shelf Number: 136389 Keywords: Costs of CorrectionsElderly InmatesPrisoners |
Author: Human Rights Watch Title: Old Behing Bars: The Aging Prison Population in the United States Summary: Aging men and women are the most rapidly growing group in US prisons, and prison officials are hard-pressed to provide them appropriate housing and medical care. The number of state and federal prisoners age 65 or older grew at 94 times the rate of the overall prison population between 2007 and 2010. Unless sentencing and release policies change, US prisons will increasingly resemble old age homes behind bars. Old Behind Bars: The Aging Prison Population in the United States includes statistics developed from federal and state sources documenting dramatic increases in the number of older US prisoners. Among the reasons for the increase are long (including life) sentences that reflect "tough-on-crime" policies. Many older prisoners remain incarcerated even though they are too old and infirm to threaten public safety if released. Prison facilities, rules, and customs were created with younger inmates in mind. They can pose special hardships for the older prisoners who are frail, who have mobility impairments, hearing and vision loss, and cognitive limitations, including dementia; or who have chronic, disabling, or terminal illnesses. In the nine states Human Rights Watch visited, many senior prison officials appeared aware of the unique needs of older prisoners, and many were struggling to respond. US prison officials, however, confront straitened budgets, prison architecture not designed for common age-related disabilities, limited medical facilities and staff, lack of planning, lack of support from elected officials, and the press of day-to-day operations. In circumstances like these, rights abuses are harder to avoid. Among its recommendations, Human Rights Watch urges state and federal officials to: - Review sentencing and release policies to reduce the growing population of older prisoners without risking public safety; and - Ensure that prison policies and practices are reviewed to ensure that the rights of aging prisoners to dignity, health, and safety are fully protected. Details: New York: Human Rights Watch, 2012. 110p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 28, 2015 at: http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/usprisons0112webwcover_0.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/usprisons0112webwcover_0.pdf Shelf Number: 136608 Keywords: Elderly InmatesElderly Prisoners |
Author: Angus, Christopher Title: Older prisoners: trends and challenges Summary: Australians are expected to continue living longer in the coming decades, benefiting from one of the world's longest life expectancies. Although this is undoubtedly a positive development, an older Australia creates numerous challenges, notably increased health and aged care costs. Australian prisons will face these same challenges, as increasing numbers of 'older prisoners'- commonly defined as inmates aged 50 years and over-place additional strain on State government authorities and resources. This e-brief looks at a range of issues relating to older prisoners in NSW, as well as in other Australian and international jurisdictions. The paper provides statistics showing the number of older prisoners in NSW and Australia, along with historical trends that have seen a rise in the overall number and proportion of older prisoners, including older female and Indigenous prisoners. An ageing prison population brings with it a number of problems, including: increased costs of remand; health issues such as age-related functional decline; a lack of appropriate and meaningful programs for older prisoners; and release and resettlement issues once older inmates leave prison. In response to these concerns, stakeholders have advocated for a range of policies that could more effectively support the needs of older prisoners. Some policies, such as tailored facilities for older prisoners, have been implemented in NSW. Chapter 8 of this paper notes a broader range of policies that have been implemented overseas and which are considered to be best practice responses to the challenges of an ageing prison population. Details: Sydney: NSW Parliamentary Research Service, 2015. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: e-brief 14/2015: Accessed October 8, 2015 at: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/publications.nsf/0/022A7DD47B719DECCA257ED00080EF3D/$File/Older+prisoners+-+trends+and+challenges.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/publications.nsf/0/022A7DD47B719DECCA257ED00080EF3D/$File/Older+prisoners+-+trends+and+challenges.pdf Shelf Number: 136974 Keywords: Elderly InmatesPrisoners |
Author: Porporino, Frank J. Title: Managing the Elderly in Corrections Summary: There are few benefits to growing old. As we age, we inevitably deteriorate both physically and mentally, perhaps gradually if we are fortunate, but nonetheless steadily. Social psychological studies tell us that happiest elderly people are those who can remain active, with close connections with family and friends and other social supports, and who can still feel they are contributing in some meaningful fashion. We clearly live in an "ageist" society and none of us particularly looks forward to getting old, but old age can be negotiated more or less effectively when there is quality healthcare we can access, some level of financial stability we can enjoy, and supportive social networks we can be part of. Aging in prisons is another experience all together. Most elderly offenders will have lost touch with their families and friends, who are either dead, too old to visit, or have simply moved on with their lives. Health concerns are a daily preoccupation and fear of death, alone in a small cell, the fodder for nightmares. Opportunity to enjoy the small things in life, that become very important things as we grow older, is lost in prison; looking forward to our favorite meal, that special cup of tea, the calla lilies in our garden, or playing peek-a-boo with our grandchild. Aging in prison instead becomes an unceasing grind where one is forced to endure a boring, austere, routinized, noisy and foul smelling enclosed environment. There is no "choice" to learn to age gracefully in prison. You simply get old, quickly and mostly invisibly. The issue of managing the elderly in prisons has emerged as one of the most significant and unplanned for crises in corrections. Though it may be of most concern in developed nations, where life expectancy has steadily and significantly increased, the problem is growing quickly in developing nations where long prison sentences are becoming a matter of course. For many jurisdictions worldwide, it is an issue that has simply caught them by surprise as the aging of their prisoner population has begun to be noticed. It is clearly a situation that obliges action in accordance with numerous declarations of respect for human rights endorsed by most nations of the world. The elderly in prison, like all prisoners, have the right to be treated with respect for their humanity and inherent human dignity; to not be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; to receive appropriate medical and mental healthcare; to have reasonable accommodation for their disabilities; and to be provided activities and programs to support their rehabilitation. This paper will attempt to: Outline the scope of the problem of the elderly offender in corrections; Discuss what might be causing this problem; and finally, Assess what some of the most significant consequences might be for the delivery of correctional services to this population, and what possible responses (policies, programs or services) might be helpful. Details: Unpublished paper, 2014. 29p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 24, 2016 at: http://archive.icpa.ca/tools/download/1981/Managing_The_Elderly_in_Corrections.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://archive.icpa.ca/tools/download/1981/Managing_The_Elderly_in_Corrections.pdf Shelf Number: 138404 Keywords: Aged OffendersCorrectional AdministrationElderly InmatesElderly Prisoners |
Author: Osborne Association Title: The High Costs of Low Risk: The Crisis of America's Aging Prison Population Summary: For the past four decades, we have witnessed the most sustained and widespread imprisonment binge known throughout recorded human history. The facts are all too familiar: the United States has roughly 5 percent of the world's population, yet is responsible for 25 percent of the world's incarcerated population. With an estimated 2.3 million adults in jail or prison and 1 out of every 32 adults under correctional or community supervision, the U.S. surpasses all other countries in sheer numbers and per capita incarceration rates. The immense costs of incarceration have increasingly framed the conversation around reducing the prison population as a matter of fiscal responsibility and budgetary necessity. This discussion is often centered around reducing the arrest and prosecution of so-called "non-violent drug offenders." But these issues belie a much more pressing human and economic concern: the aging prison population, whose costs for incarceration and care will soon prove unsustainable if meaningful action is not taken. And though prison is expensive, cost is far from the only justification to move away from our reliance on incarceration, as the continued long-term incarceration of aging citizens has serious moral, ethical, public health, and public safety implications. This paper aims to provide a brief contextual framework of the issues affecting elders in prison; to illuminate the ongoing efforts being undertaken to improve conditions within correctional facilities, increase mechanisms for release, and develop robust post-release services specifically targeting the unique needs of the aging population in reentry; and to sketch out preliminary recommendations to serve as a basis for further work to be done throughout several key sectors. Despite their apparent interrelated interests in the aging prison population, the fields of gerontology, medical and mental health, philanthropy, and corrections have only sporadically interacted around this issue, and never as a unified voice. Thus, a primary objective of this work is to encourage multi-sector dialogue, cross-pollination of ideas, and a shared foundational knowledge that will strengthen the connections among these fields and form a basis for unifying action. We believe such a partnership will be well equipped to identify and engage in appropriate measures that will immediately impact the aging prison population, while also developing and implementing the necessary socio-structural architecture to effectively address long-term mechanisms of diversion, release, and reentry. Austerity-driven approaches to shrinking budgets and increasing public discomfort with mass incarceration create an opportunity to seriously address the epidemic of America's graying prison population and to imbue our criminal justice system with values and policies that are humane, cost-effective, and socially responsible. Details: New York: Osborne Association, 2014. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 18, 2016 at: http://www.osborneny.org/images/uploads/printMedia/Osborne_Aging_WhitePaper.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United States URL: http://www.osborneny.org/images/uploads/printMedia/Osborne_Aging_WhitePaper.pdf Shelf Number: 139071 Keywords: Costs of CorrectionsElderly InmatesElderly Offenders |
Author: Carson, E. Ann Title: Aging of the State Prison Population, 1993-2013 Summary: Discusses factors that have contributed to the growing number of older offenders in state prison, and examines changes in the sex, race, current offense, and sentencing characteristics of these offenders over time. It also describes how more prison admissions and longer lengths of stay contribute to the aging of the prison population and result in the growing numbers of offenders who are "aging in" to the older age cohorts. Data are from the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Corrections Reporting Program, National Prisoner Statistics program, and Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities (1991 and 2004) and from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program. Highlights: The number of prisoners age 55 or older sentenced to more than 1 year in state prison increased 400% between 1993 and 2013, from 26,300 (3% of the total state prison population) in 1993 to 131,500 (10% of the total population) in 2013. The imprisonment rate for prisoners age 55 or older sentenced to more than 1 year in state prison increased from 49 per 100,000 U.S. residents of the same age in 1993 to 154 per 100,000 in 2013. Between 1993 and 2013, more than 65% of prisoners age 55 or older were serving time in state prison for violent offenses, compared to a maximum of 58% for other age groups sentenced for violent offenses. At yearend 1993, 2003, and 2013, at least 27% of state prisoners age 55 or older were sentenced for sexual assault, including rape. More than four times as many prisoners age 55 or older were admitted to state prisons in 2013 (25,700) than in 1993 (6,300). Press Release Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2016. 38p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 19, 2016 at: http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/aspp9313.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/aspp9313.pdf Shelf Number: 139353 Keywords: Elderly InmatesElderly OffendersInmatesPrison PopulationPrisoners |
Author: Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Justice Committee Title: Older Prisoners Summary: UK prisons are failing to cope with the rapid growth in the number of older prisoners - partly caused by the increase in convictions for historic sexual offences - the Justice Committee has found in a new report that calls on the Ministry of Justice to develop a national strategy to provide for older prisoners effectively. Sir Alan Beith MP Chair of the Justice Select Committee: "The number of older prisoners is now very high and is likely to remain so. The growth of the older prison population and the severity of the needs of that population, warrant a national strategy in order to provide for them effectively." "Older and disabled prisoners should no longer be held in institutions which cannot meet their basic needs nor should they be released back into the community without adequate support. In one case we heard of a prisoner who was a wheelchair user being released from prison without a wheelchair." "We met some excellent prison officers and charity workers who are providing essential social care but an ad hoc system means that too often older prisoners have to rely on the goodwill of officers and their fellow inmates to fulfil the most basic of care needs." "Many older prisoners are currently being held in establishments that cannot meet their needs. The lack of provision for essential social care for older prisoners, the confusion about who should be providing it, and the failure of so many authorities to accept responsibility for it, have been disgraceful." Many of our prisons were built to house young fit men, but the growth in the number of older prisoners in the last decade has exposed the inadequacy of current provision for prisoners over 50. Poor accessibility, cramped conditions and inappropriate accommodation facilities in some prisons means the basic physical needs of older prisoners are not met. Suitable social care and mental health provision for older prisoners is also poor or non-existent in some parts of the prison estate. The responsibility to adapt the prison environment so that it suits less able prisoners lies with a prison's senior management team and the National Offender Management Service (NOMS). The report recommends that NOMS conduct a comprehensive analysis of prisons' physical compliance with disability discrimination and age equality laws. NOMS should determine which prisons simply are not able to make the adaptation necessary to hold older prisoners and it should then no longer hold older or disabled prisoners in these institutions. Details: London: Stationery Office Limited, 2013. 144p. Source: Internet Resource: Fifth Report of Session 2013-14: Accessed August 5, 2016 at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmjust/89/89.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmjust/89/89.pdf Shelf Number: 130036 Keywords: Elderly InmatesElderly OffendersElderly Prisoners |
Author: Joyce, Joanna Title: "In Here, Time Stands Still": The Rights, Needs and Experiences of Older People in Prison Summary: The number of older people in Irish prisons has increased considerably in recent years and this group now represents a substantial minority within the Irish prison system. Latest figures indicate that almost 10% of people in prison custody today are over the age of 50. This new report from IPRT examines the rights, needs and experiences of this vulnerable group within the prison system, and makes key recommendations as to how the Irish Prison Service can meet these needs. The recommendations contained in the report are based on best practice examples set out in the research literature and on the recommendations of the research participants and professional stakeholders. If acted upon, these recommendations will greatly improve the lives of older people in the Irish prison system. Details: Dublin: Irish Penal Reform Trust, 2016. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 21, 2016 at: http://www.iprt.ie/files/IPRT-Older_People_in_Prison_Report_web.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Ireland URL: http://www.iprt.ie/files/IPRT-Older_People_in_Prison_Report_web.pdf Shelf Number: 147849 Keywords: Aged OffendersElderly InmatesElderly Prisoners |
Author: Prisons and Probation Ombudsman for England and Wales Title: Learning from PPO Investigations: Older Prisoners Summary: This report is a thematic review of our investigations into naturally-caused deaths of prisoners over 50. It reviews 314 investigations over 2013-2015, and offers 13 lessons on six areas where we frequently make recommendations following investigations into deaths in custody of older prisoners. The six areas it examines in depth are: healthcare and diagnosis; restraints; end of life care; family involvement; early release; and dementia and complex needs. We also offer one good practice case study. With respect to healthcare and diagnosis, this publication offers lessons on both continuity and coordination of care. We offer case studies that illustrate the importance of health screenings for newly arrived prisoners, following NICE guidelines and, where possible, we suggest that prisoners with ongoing health concerns should see the same doctor. This publication also includes case studies showing the recommendations we make about restraining old or infirm prisoners, and reiterates much of the guidance we have issued in past publications. Namely, we expect that risk assessments should be proportionate to the actual risk posed by the prisoner, given his or her health condition; that input from healthcare staff should be meaningfully and seriously considered; and that risk assessments should be reviewed in line with changing health conditions. We also offer lessons about palliative and end of life care - something prisons increasingly have to deal with. Here, we acknowledge it is not only prisoners who are ageing - often our facilities are older and not designed to adequately accommodate disability or palliative care needs. We recommend that prisons try to ensure the terminally ill are treated in a suitable environment. We also identify a lesson to improve healthcare coordination at the end of life, by ensuring that care plans are initiated at an appropriate, and ideally early, stage for those who are diagnosed with a terminal illness. We offer two lessons with respect to family involvement. We acknowledge that prisoners are not always in contact with their families, nor do their families always want to be in contact with them. In this publication, we recommend that, with the consent of the prisoner and their family, trained family liaison officers involve families in end of life care, and notify next of kin promptly when a prisoner is taken to the hospital. Further, we recommend that family liaison officers are nominated as soon as possible after the prisoner's serious or terminal diagnosis. We identify two lessons with respect to early release of terminally ill prisoners - one that suggests prisons should appoint an appropriate contact to ensure applications for early release are properly progressed, and another that, similar to our lessons for restraints, recommends risk assessments be contextual and based on the actual risk the prisoner poses, taking into account their current health condition. Finally, as the older population in prisons increases in both size and proportion, we are finding more cases where the prisoner is diagnosed with, or showing signs of dementia. This is occasionally compounded with other social, mental, or physical needs, which can make these cases particularly complex to deal with. In this section, we elaborate more on this, and offer two lessons that might help prisons to better care for and manage prisoners with dementia and complex needs. Overall, we hope that these lessons, along with an example of good practice in end of life care in prison, will help prisons deal better with this demographic change Details: London: The Ombudsman, 2017. 37p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 16, 2017 at: http://www.ppo.gov.uk/app/uploads/2017/06/6-3460_PPO_Older-Prisoners_WEB.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.ppo.gov.uk/app/uploads/2017/06/6-3460_PPO_Older-Prisoners_WEB.pdf Shelf Number: 146785 Keywords: Deaths in CustodyElderly InmatesOlder Prisoners |
Author: Wintringham Title: "Silver Bullet": Or confused greying fox? Best Practice Support Model for Older Prisoners Summary: The number of older prisoners in Australian prisons increased by 84 percent over the past decade 2000 - 2010 (ABS 2010b, 2000). This rising number and proportion of older prisoners has implications for planning, policy and service delivery across the correctional systems, with the most immediate and apparent issues facing older prisoners being related to ageing and associated declines in mental and physical health. In Australia, the increasing levels of older and geriatric prisoners have been driven by factors which include the wider community's increasing longevity being reflected in the prison system, together with advances in forensic investigations leading to charges being laid many years after the actual offence. For whatever reason however, jails in Australia (and around the world) are now increasingly accommodating older people who have aged care needs that are currently beyond the capacity of a justice system to provide. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2011 data shows that older prisoners (over 60) have a much higher percentage of a "serious" offence charge than their younger cohorts. Sexual assault dominates the offences of older prisoners. Although a 'typical' older offender is not identified in the literature, the apparently increasing prevalence of sex offenders among older male prisoners is frequently noted throughout the literature (APCCA 2001; Bramhall 2006; Carlisle 2006; Crawley 2004; Crawley & Sparks 2006; Dobson 2004; Heckenberg 2006; Ove 2005; Papanikolas 2006; Prison Reform Trust 2003a, 2003b, 2006; Uzoaba 1998; Valios 2008). According to Heckenberg (2006), of all male sentenced prisoners over the age of 45 in Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria and New Zealand, 50 per cent were imprisoned for sexual assault and homicide. In the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, this rise in older sex offenders in prison could be due to more aggressive policing practices and government legislative responses to public disquiet about sex offenders and so-called lenient sentencing (BBC 2003; Gaseau 2004; Heckenberg 2006). Contrary to other older offenders, sex offenders are a highly visible group and are frequently categorised by their offence, rather than their age (Bramhall 2006; Dobson 2004; Heckenberg 2006). Some writers argue therefore, older sex offenders are subjected to the highest level of discrimination of any offender group, by virtue of the combination of their age and offence category and the public attitudes toward these offenders (Crawley 2004; Crawley & Sparks 2006; Heckenberg 2006; Prison Reform Trust 2003a). If Wintringham is to provide best practice support for aged prisoners, there is no doubt staff need to be supported to develop a deeper understanding of the issues faced by this cohort of prisoners. Australian Guidelines for Correctional Centres indicate correctional services should provide proper health care to prisoners; yet there is evidence older prisoners' aged care needs are not met and further, they are more vulnerable to victimisations than their younger, generally stronger counterparts. This predicament for aged prisoners is paralleled by the aged homeless and has been well described by Bryan Lipmann (Elderly Homeless Men and Women: Aged Care's Forgotten People). Victoria's Justice system is clearly in need of expert advice and expertise from an organisation such as Wintringham to help provide for these Wintringham's specialist aged care focus leads it to be naturally involved with clients who have had some relationship with correctional services. Given this reality, Wintringham have commenced a more formal relationship with Corrections Victoria. Through this relationship Wintringham's knowledge of the issues surrounding housing, care and support of older prisoners has further developed. Wintringham staff have become aware of the increasing number of elderly prisoners within Victorian jails. The growing numbers of elderly prisoners and the dilemma they pose to the Justice system regarding how best to provide appropriate care within a secure setting, resulted in an invitation from the then Secretary of the Justice Department, Ms Penny Armytage, for senior Executives from Wintringham to accompany her on visits to a number of metropolitan and country jails to discuss the problem (2010). Whilst evidence indicates that Victorian prisons have a growing ageing prison population, there was little evidence of a coordinated approach to managing the aged related issues of prisoners in a contemporary manner. Strategies such as reliance on the prison hospital for care of the elderly have been employed. This is equivalent to the general, "free-world" population being reliant on acute care hospitals for aged care services. Not only is this a costly approach to aged care, acute care hospitals do not have the specialist aged care knowledge that the aged care industry has developed over many years. Details: Kensington, VIC, AUS: Wintringham, 2013. 117p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 22, 2017 at: http://www.wintringham.org.au/file/434/I/Best_Practice_Support_Model_for_Older_Prisoners.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://www.wintringham.org.au/file/434/I/Best_Practice_Support_Model_for_Older_Prisoners.pdf Shelf Number: 131713 Keywords: Aged OffendersElderly InmatesElderly PrisonersHealth Care |
Author: Novisky, Meghan A. Title: Aging in Prison as a Collateral Consequence of Mass Incarceration Summary: The United States has been characterized by an era of mass incarceration since the 1970's. With decades of research now in place, it is clear that in addition to the financial costs of housing so many men and women behind bars, incarceration carries with it a multitude of collateral consequences. These consequences are extensive and include the reproduction of racial and social class inequalities, weakened neighborhoods and families, and diminished social standing and health. One area that is particularly important yet underdeveloped in the literature involves understanding how incarceration is impacting a new and growing population of prisoners: the elderly. Older prisoners are now the fastest growing age group within our prison system and they are at risk for a variety of negative health outcomes, accelerated aging, and premature mortality. Given the dearth of empirical attention in the literature regarding this class of prisoners, the focus of my dissertation was to address what it means to age within environments (prisons) that are inherently depriving, status stripping, and coercive. To answer this question, I collected original quantitative and qualitative data from interviews with 279 older, incarcerated men who were housed across three varying security level state correctional institutions. These data allowed me to concentrate on three different but related components of aging for prisoners: overall health, chronic disease management, and end-of-life planning. Results show that deprivation was an important predictor of health outcomes and end-of-life planning preferences among this sample of older prisoners. Additionally, cultural health capital was central to prisoners' abilities to manage their chronic health conditions, providing further evidence of the stratifying nature of the incarceration experience. This dissertation contributes to a growing body of research by highlighting the barriers of aging in prison are yet another collateral consequence of mass incarceration. Details: Kent, OH: Kent State University, 2016. 212p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: accessed May 9, 2018 at: https://etd.ohiolink.edu/!etd.send_file?accession=kent1470057807&disposition=inline Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: https://etd.ohiolink.edu/!etd.send_file?accession=kent1470057807&disposition=inline Shelf Number: 150134 Keywords: Collateral ConsequencesElderly InmatesMass IncarcerationPrisoners |