The Second Chances Study: A National Study of People Sentenced to JLWOP in the United States

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

The Second Chances Study is the first national study of the Juvenile Life without Parole Population since sweeping policy changes occurred following the Miller (2012) and Montgomery (2017) United States Supreme Court Decisions. To date the study has connected archival research on the ~2,900 people sentenced to JLWOP prior to 2012, along with detailed policy tracking and survey research. About 2/3 of the JLWOP population are still incarcerated. This panel presents processes and findings from year two of the study. In paper one, the team will present a detailed picture of gaining access to survey lifers, navigating key IRB and ethical issues with states. In paper two, the team will present findings on the self-reported adverse childhood experiences (ACES) along with related social support and mental health experiences in prison. In paper three, the team will examine how state policy shapes the resentencing and parole experiences of people serving JLWOP. These papers together will provide insight into this landmark study, initial findings and processes. The panel will be useful for people seeking to conduct research on second look policies, incarcerated populations and from a life course perspective.

Sub Unit

• Area II. Perspectives on Crime / 2. Developmental and Life Course Perspectives

Individual Presentations

• Getting Past the Gate: Navigating Administrative Hurdles to Conduct Research with Lifers - Laura S. Abrams, University of California, Los Angeles; Daphne M. Brydon, University of Cincinnati; Leah Ouellet, Northwestern University; Reese Howard, University of California, Los Angeles

• Adversity and Connectedness: Examining Social Support and Mental Health Among Incarcerated Lifers - Daphne M. Brydon, University of Cincinnati; Jeffrey T. Ward, Temple University; Dylan B. Jackson, Johns Hopkins University; J.Z. Bennett, University of Cincinnati; Leah Ouellet, Northwestern University; Rebecca Turner, Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth; Laura S. Abrams, University of California, Los Angeles

• Understanding Resentencing and Release Outcomes Amongst Child-lifers Eligible for Sentence Review Following Miller - Leah Ouellet, Northwestern University; Jeffrey T. Ward, Temple University; Daphne M. Brydon, University of Cincinnati; J.Z. Bennett, University of Cincinnati; Dylan B. Jackson, Johns Hopkins University; Rebecca Turner, Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth; Laura S. Abrams, University of California, Los Angeles

Chair

• Laura S. Abrams, University of California, Los Angeles

Discussant

• Ashley Marie Nellis, American University