Exploring Juvenile and Emerging Adult Lifers’ Early Life Experiences and Rehabilitation Efforts in Prison

• In Event: Life Course Outcomes for Juveniles and Emerging Adults Sentenced to Life: Understanding the Effects of Prison

Abstract

Louisiana holds one of the highest life sentence rates and is known for its punitive sentencing. However, Supreme Court decisions that consider youths’ lessened culpability and greater capacity for change significantly reduced the juvenile lifer population as states applied the rulings. Some states also extended developmental arguments to reduce the most punitive sentences for emerging adults, who are disproportionately sentenced to life in the United States. In Louisiana, policies aimed at reducing incarceration have provided release opportunities for some adults serving extreme sentences. Although research has begun exploring the lives of former lifers and their pathways to reentry, continued research on the mechanisms that aid in an individual’s preparation for release from prison is needed. This paper analyzes 92 life history interviews from formerly incarcerated individuals who were sentenced to life as juveniles or emerging adults in Louisiana. The connections between early life experiences and rehabilitation efforts are explored, as well as the role age at incarceration plays in their rehabilitation paths. The findings may inform early intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry policies and programs.

Authors

• Victoria Rivera Laugalis, Loyola University New Orleans

• Christian L. Bolden, Loyola University New Orleans