NCJ Number
180149
Date Published
1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper examines types of offenders that comprise the older inmate group in Australian correctional systems by discussing factors that affect the increase of older inmates in prisons and by examining various issues of relevance to Australian correctional administrators.
Abstract
Australian correctional populations generally follow community population trends. In 1987, inmates over 50 years of age comprised 4.1 percent of the total Australian prison population of 12,113 persons. By 1997, this figure rose to 7.4 percent of 19,082 persons. The average age of inmates also increased, from 30 years in 1987 to nearly 32 years in 1997. The number of inmates in the over 65 age group tripled from 50 in 1987 to 158 in 1997. Most elderly inmates were male, and the proportion of male to female inmates over 50 years of age remained fairly stable over time. Almost 10 percent of inmates over 50 years old were remand prisoners. In addition, elderly inmates were likely to be held in minimum- security institutions. Most elderly prisoners were non-indigenous, although elderly indigenous prisoners increased from 2.9 percent of inmates over 50 years of age in 1993 to 4.3 percent of inmates over 50 years of age in 1997. The older inmate population was as diverse as the younger inmate population. However, three main groups of older inmates could be identified: (1) first-time inmates imprisoned at an older age; (2) repeat offenders who returned to prison at a later age; and (3) inmates who grew old in prison due to long sentences. Implications of the issues associated with elderly inmates for correctional management are discussed, with emphasis on adjustment to imprisonment, vulnerability to victimization, adaptation to physical conditions, lack of suitable programs, and separating versus mainstreaming the elderly inmate population. Future directions in meeting the needs of elderly inmates are noted. 18 references and 4 figures