Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

SAGE Journal User Guide

Aday, R. H. (1994). Aging in Prison: A Case Study of New Elderly Offenders. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 38(1), 79–91. doi:10.1177/0306624X9403800108

Abstract

This exploratory study focuses on the experience of aging in prison among those classified as the new elderly offenders. Using a case study approach, in-depth interviews were conducted in the summer of 1992 at a maximum-security reception center in the Southeast. The sample consisted of 25 new elderly offenders, with a mean age of 68 years. Major variables assessed in the study include personal background and family life, criminal activities, physical health, and strategies for coping with prison life. It was found that the new elderly offender's initial reaction to incarceration later in life was often characterized by family conflict, depression, thoughts of suicide, and a fear of dying in prison. Findings from this research present evidence that prison programs should be expanded to accommodate the needs of this older offender subgroup.

Cloyes, K. G., Wong, B., Latimer, S., & Abarca, J. (2010). Time to Prison Return for Offenders With Serious Mental Illness Released From Prison: A Survival Analysis. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 37(2), 175–187. doi:10.1177/0093854809354370

Abstract

Serious mental illness (SMI) represents a major risk for repeated incarceration, yet recidivism studies often do not specifically focus on persons with SMI as compared to non-SMI offenders. The study reported here systematically identified Utah State prisoners released from 1998 to 2002 (N = 9,245) who meet criteria for SMI and compared SMI and non-SMI offenders on length of time to prison return. Findings indicate that 23% of the sample met criteria for SMI (n = 2,112). Moreover, survival analyses demonstrated a significant difference in return rates and community tenure for offenders with SMI compared to non-SMI offenders when controlling for demographics, condition of release, offense type, and condition of return (parole violation vs. new commitment). The median time for all SMI offenders to return to prison was 385 days versus 743 days for all non-SMI offenders, 358 days sooner (p < .001). Implications of these findings are discussed.

Morgan, R. D., Kroner, D. G., Mills, J. F., Bauer, R. L., & Serna, C. (2014). Treating Justice Involved Persons with Mental Illness: Preliminary Evaluation of a Comprehensive Treatment Program. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 41(7), 902–916. doi:10.1177/0093854813508553

Abstract

In this article, we present the results of a preliminary evaluation of a comprehensive treatment program specifically designed to treat co-occurring issues of mental illness and criminal risk in persons with mental illness (PMI) that are criminal justice involved. Participants include 47 incarcerated male PMI in a secure psychiatric prison or a residential treatment facility. Of the 47 participants, 31 (66%) completed the program, attended 94% of all sessions, completed 83% of assigned homework, and actively participated in treatment sessions as evidenced by participation ratings. Change was examined using a four-tiered assessment strategy, including pre–post significance testing, magnitude of effect sizes, clinical cutoffs, and reliable change indices. Results showed evidence of strong therapeutic alliance and treatment program satisfaction, as well as symptom reduction and some evidence for reduced criminal thinking. Program modifications and implications for enhancing service delivery to justice involved PMI are discussed