Abstract
This article explores the increase in the number of older people on probation caseloads. ‘Older’ clients are defined as those aged 50 and over, in line with the use of this definition by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. Drawing upon a Freedom of Information request submitted to the Ministry of Justice, the data show increases in the age of probation clients across community orders, suspended sentences, and supervision on licence. One in five residents in Approved Premises are over 50. Despite the increase, there is a dearth of research relating to the needs of older people on probation and how well probation services and staff are equipped to meet their needs. Consequently, this article utilises research relating to older prisoners, drawing inferences to probation experiences. This prompts the question of whether probation is ‘institutionally thoughtless’, a term coined relating to the daily experiences of older prisoners. This article depicts findings from qualitative interviews with older prisoners in prison for the first time. The findings highlight ambivalence towards completing accredited programmes, which may be applicable to probation settings. This article concludes that action to tackle discrimination requires a commitment to justice, self-awareness, and knowledge via policy and practice.
Highlights
This article explores the increase in the number of older people on probation caseloads
As Canton and Dominey (2018) note, statistics for people who are under community supervison are more difficult to obtain compared to people in prison, because there is a large overlap between prisoners and and probation clients it may be reasonable to infer that each face similar levels of disadvantage due to a range of extensive and complex needs, which are exacerbated by an inability to access services
This article has highlighted that the numbers of older people on probation caseloads is increasing, in line with increases in the prison population
Summary
This article explores the increase in the number of older people on probation caseloads. By defining what is meant by ‘older, it considers whether as a consequence of a lack of recognition of this cohort within policy and practice, probation could be seen to be ‘institutionally thoughtless’ (Crawley, 2005, p.356) in meeting the needs of older clients This is important as age is a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act 2010. Consistency within HMPPS would be seen to be a useful starting point, who define age 50 as an ‘older prisoner.’ This is beneficial where probation clients have experienced a period of time in custody, life-course perspectives on the nature of transitions (Bartley et al,1997 in Blane 2006) identifies that changes in social status can have long-term effects on future lifechances, where there are accumulated levels of dis/advantage. The lack of research may mean that issues relating to intersectionality are not considered
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