VIDEO: Washington’s Greying Prisons and the Need for Geriatric Review
This video explores the need for post-conviction review legislation for aging prisoners in the state of Washington. Over 1,000 inmates 50 and older continue to age behind bars at enormous cost to their communities, the State, and themselves.
About the Video
The prison population in Washington State is aging rapidly. The proliferation of long and life sentences increased the number of prisoners aged 55 or older by 400% from 1993 to 2013. Without an opportunity for parole for most prisoners, incarcerated individuals do not have an opportunity to be evaluated for release based on their rehabilitation. The prison system is not equipped to handle the medical needs of this aging prison population. Punishment may be important in our criminal justice system, but how much is enough? In the upcoming legislative session, bills will be introduced to create a post-conviction review process to allow rehabilitated individuals, who have served extended sentences and are not a threat to public safety, to be released back into the community.
For more information about this legislative initiative, and how to get involved, click here: AVID’s webpage.
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Rooted in Rights exists to amplify the perspectives of the disability community. Blog posts and storyteller videos that we publish and content we re-share on social media do not necessarily reflect the opinions or values of Rooted in Rights nor indicate an endorsement of a program or service by Rooted in Rights. We respect and aim to reflect the diversity of opinions and experiences of the disability community. Rooted in Rights seeks to highlight discussions, not direct them. Learn more about Rooted In Rights
