Psychosocial Needs of Released Long-Term Incarcerated Older Adults

Abstract

In the context of mass incarceration, more and more prisoners grow old in U.S. prisons, and with recent changes in legislation more and more are being released. These individuals are often ill-prepared to function in a society that has changed significantly during their incarceration. This qualitative study examines the psychosocial needs of these releasees. Nineteen semistructured interviews took place with adults ages 55-82 who were released from parole and professionals who worked with this population. A grounded theory methods approach was used for data collection, coding, and analyses. Using saturation as a consensus, several themes emerged related to the specific needs and challenges older adults face postincarceration: challenges of parole, challenges of parole specific to older adults, reentry initiative (RI) program success, and quality of life/mental health. The needs of formerly incarcerated adults are complex, and many find themselves in an environment that does not help them with the required adjustments. Many lack ties to the community, having lost contact with friends and family who might assist them at this crucial time. As a result, many older adults released from parole seriously consider reoffending as an option. This article concludes with a discussion of best practice suggestions such as formal RI programs to assist older adults postincarceration in successfully transitioning back into society and policy changes to address the needs of this vulnerable population.