Assessing the needs of the aging offender population in British Columbia and the Yukon

The aging offender population has represented a growing segment of the incarcerated population in Canada over the last decade. However, there is limited academic research on aging offenders in custody and in community residential facilities (CRFs) in Canada. The purpose of the current study was to assess the needs and perceived gaps in services available to the aging offender inmate population in British Columbia and the Yukon. The survey sample consisted of 54 staff and managers who are currently working in CRFs across British Columbia and the Yukon. The results indicated that few CRFs are prepared to accept aging offenders, who are more likely to present with physical, cognitive, and mental health needs that must be accommodated. Based on the literature and survey results, it is recommended that program evaluations are conducted on existing aging offender programs in custody and aging offender CRFs in the community, to determine whether they are meeting the needs of aging offenders. It is also recommended that a reallocation of funds be directed from the institutions to CRFs to care for individuals in the community and to support alternatives to incarceration for aging offenders who are considered lower risk. Additionally, communities need more well-funded resources and partnerships that promote multisector collaboration and support the transition of aging offenders from the institutions, into CRFs, and then the community. Finally, it is recommended that the reallocation of funds is invested into training for CRF staff who are working with aging offenders. These are viable first steps towards a national strategy to address the needs of aging offenders in Canada. The issues of a growing offender population cannot be ignored, and practical solutions are needed to more effectively supervise aging offenders for the remainder of their sentences with considerations of dignity and public safety at the forefront.