Incarcerating the Elderly - 2547 Words

The issue being discussed in this paper will be â€Å"the issue of the ‘graying’ of the American prison and parole population and the unique problems that elderly prisoners face while incarcerated and subsequent to release† (Stojkovic, 2007, pg. 98). Incarceration of elderly criminals is a highly debated topic in criminal justice. The definition of elderly criminal in this case will be a person 60 years or older that commits a criminal offense. This is not a new topic; however, there is not a lot of research conducted on elderly offenders. There are many arguments as to whether these elderly criminals should be treated the same as younger criminals and whether it is cost effective to put the elderly in prison. This paper will discuss the pros†¦show more content†¦Many of these elderly prisoners don’t have much to go back to in the real world (Le Mesurier, 2011). They have lost their homes, families, friends, and sense of belonging (Le Mesurier, 2 011). Without the adequate support that an elderly persons needs out in the world, they are at risk of social exclusion and for re-offending. Leaving the prison for an elderly person that has been locked up behind bars for many years would be huge challenge. Every person in prison receives adequate health treatment and proper care. Finding the proper treatment and care outside of prison can be a tough. The elderly offender most of the time will not have a stable and welcoming environment to go back into and might re-offend again to support himself. Without being able to find a job and steady pay the offender will have a tough time supporting himself. As discussed in class, most offenders in Prison are there for punishment and don’t get the adequate treatment they need and are still considered as violent, if not even more than when they first entered the prison. During their time in prison, the offenders are not getting the adequate rehabilitation that they need and will stil l be released as violent and criminal as when they first entered. Being in Prison for so many years, with other criminals can teach the offender to be even more violent and brutalShow MoreRelatedPrisoners with Special Needs917 Words   |  4 Pagesin a standard incarceration facility. When we look at offenders that have a learning disability or mental handicaps or offenders that are substance abusers, special care in incarceration and rehabilitation methods should be involved. By just incarcerating these individuals you are not setting them up for a successful and cost effective way of rehabilitation. Counseling, treatment, and various interventions strategies help in giving these offenders with special need the care they need while at theRead MoreThe Incarceration Of Women Prisons1298 Words   |  6 Pagessuccumbing to ailments. Changes needed to laws and courts. 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