Why Expanding Compassionate Release Is a Moral and Fiscal Imperative - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

"As the prison population rapidly ages, medical costs skyrocket, and compassionate release systems remain dramatically underutilized, states face a growing crisis both fiscal and humanitarian in nature. Thousands of elderly and seriously ill incarcerated people who do not present a threat to society die behind bars at enormous public expense. The need for better policies that encourage compassionate release for older Americans is clear."

"For example, a 2022 study by the United States Sentencing Commission found that recidivism for prisoners released after the age of 50 was 21.3 percent, compared to 53.4 percent for younger prisoners. The same study found that offenses of older people released from prison, when they did occur, were "less serious" than for younger people. Moreover, the study also found that the older the person was at the time of release, the less likely recidivism became."

"A Massachusetts Department of Correction study on releases from 2019 likewise found a much lower three-year recidivism rate for elders: 10 percent for women and 12 percent for men 55 and older, compared to 27 percent and 33 percent for women and men respectively for those 30-34 years old at the time of release-demonstrating, once again, that many older adults "age out" of crime."

The prison population is rapidly aging, driving medical costs and straining state budgets. Compassionate release systems remain underutilized, resulting in thousands of elderly and seriously ill incarcerated people dying behind bars at great public expense. Recidivism for prisoners released after age 50 is about 21.3 percent versus 53.4 percent for younger prisoners. Older people who reoffend commit less serious offenses, and recidivism falls with older age at release. Offenders 65 or older have rearrest rates near 13.4 percent over eight years, compared with 67.6 percent for those under 21. A Massachusetts study found three-year recidivism of 10 percent for women and 12 percent for men 55 and older. Policy changes to expand compassionate release could reduce costs and humanitarian harms.

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