Marginality or Neglect: An Exploratory Study of Policies and Programs for Aging Female Inmates

• NCJ Number: 210262
• Journal: Women & Criminal Justice Volume: 15 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 121-141
• Author(s): Monica E. Williams; Robert Vann Rikard
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the prevalence of aging female inmates in Federal and State prison populations and the existence of policies and programs that target this inmate population.

Abstract

Data were obtained through telephone interviews with representatives of the department of corrections for each State as well as the central headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The focus of the interview was on policies and programs for elderly female inmates (any inmate over 45 years old). Forty States and the Federal Bureau of Prisons completed interviews. Of the 40 States, only 2 (Alabama and Ohio) specified policies and/or programs that focus on aging female inmates. This article summarizes the features of these States' policies and programs for elderly female inmates. Whereas only 2 States have developed policies and programs for this inmate population, 23 States have policies and programs for aging male inmates. This fact leads the authors to adopt Tonry's term "malign neglect" regarding the absence of correctional policies for elderly female inmates. This malicious neglect of aging female inmates has persisted despite the increase in both the age and the female inmate populations under State and Federal correctional custody. Quality of housing and health care is of primary importance for this inmate population. In general, female inmates have a higher demand for both medicinal and psychiatric services than males. Among the policies recommended for consideration regarding elderly female inmates are supervised release programs, compassionate release, and electronic home detention. In the case of dying inmates, hospice is the recommended method of easing the dying experience for high-risk female inmates. For aging female inmates who remain in prison, there can be modifications to their living and work environments to minimize the impact of declining abilities. 5 notes and 77 references