Supporting Older Adults After Incarceration

As the overall population ages, the prison and jail population is aging too. Older adults reentering our communities are disproportionately older adults of color, especially Black men. The unique and significant disadvantages caused by structural racism in the criminal justice system and throughout their lives follow individuals well beyond the prison and jail walls. As a result, older adults leaving prison and jail are at risk of being unable to access health care, housing, and a range of health and economic security benefits that could help them transition smoothly and live securely in the community.

With support from AARP Public Policy Institute, Justice in Aging is releasing a series of issue briefs to ensure advocates and service providers are aware of the unique challenges older adults reentering the community after incarceration face and to provide the tools they need to connect their older adult clients to the safety net benefits they need.