Understanding the Connection Between Housing and Family Reunification Challenges for Older, Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

• In Event: Family Responses to Youth, Victims, and Returning Citizens

Abstract

A major consequence of the “tough-on-crime” policies of the 1980s and 1990s was the “graying” of the U.S. prison population. Although the ACLU estimates that by 2030, one-third of those in prison will be over the age of 50, existent research focuses on the experiences of those under 50. Older formerly incarcerated individuals, especially those who have been incarcerated for decades, may face more limited options for reestablishing self-sufficient, meaningful lives. This study explores the challenges older formerly incarcerated individuals experience during reentry, with a focus on housing and family reunification. From in-depth interviews with 30 older formerly incarcerated individuals, we find that housing and family reunification are interdependent, as well as related to other life domains such as health and employment. If they have maintained positive family relationships, they likely return to a family home or independent living situation with family support. However, if family support is not available, they are challenged to secure safe, affordable, housing, which may then become a barrier to employment and possibly healthcare, leaving them with little means of support and placing them at risk for recidivism. Results from this study can help inform reentry policy at the local, state, and federal levels.

Authors

• Sandra S. Stone, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

• Jessica Grosholz, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

• Sondra Fogel, University of South Florida

• Danielle Thomas, University of South Florida

• Tiffany Porcelli, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee