Objectives
Older adults are increasingly involved in the criminal justice
system, yet there is limited research regarding their needs and experiences.
This study examined differences in psychosocial experiences and
re-incarceration between older and younger adults with psychiatric disorders
involved in the criminal justice system.
Methods
Participants (N=80) were recruited from two mental health
courts (MHC) in the Midwestern United States. Bivariate analyses examined
age-related differences in psychosocial experiences and re-incarceration
between younger and older participants.
Results
Older adults, on average, experienced more treatment adherence and
fewer probation violations than younger adults during the six-month
follow-up; however, they experienced comparable risk for re-incarceration.
Older adults’ substance use, service use, housing instability, and
program retention were similar to their younger counterparts.
Conclusions
Despite older MHC participants’ treatment adherence and
reduced probation violations, they are at risk for incarceration, substance
use and housing instability.