NCJ Number
100851
Journal
Justice Professional Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (December 1985) Pages: 26-33
Date Published
1985
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The older offender may include the long-termer, the in-and-outer, and the person who enters prison for the first time late in life. These offenders do not fit into most programs available in prison and their needs have tended to be neglected by the correctional system.
Abstract
An analysis of the profiles of the 12 oldest offenders in the Maryland prison system shows that they are black, male, poor, and in poor health. Emotionally, they have long histories of alcohol abuse and three show definite psychopathology. They receive few visits and also are isolated from other inmates. Their financial assets are meager, and they have legal needs, not only in the area of parole hearings, but in arranging their personal affairs. Thus, these inmates have physical, social, and emotional hurts and needs that are painful to contemplate. Their major requirements are in the areas of social services, family relationships, physical health, and mental health -- areas in which existing prison programs often are inadequate. 15 references.