After prison: Pathways to reintegration for older women in Ottawa

Abstract

As the population ages, the number of older adults who are involved in the criminal justice system is increasing. While their experiences in prisons have been explored, older women's lives in their communities have yet to be studied. This thesis examines the reintegration experiences of older female ex-prisoners living in Ottawa through the perspectives of the professionals who assist them in their reintegrations. Using standpoint theory, I conducted semi-structured interviews with a variety of professionals who described their experiences working with older reintegrating women for non-governmental community organizations in Ottawa. Participants examined various aspects of the reintegration experience, including the communities in which older women live; their health; the social networks surrounding older women; roadblocks which create difficulties during reintegration; and what older women require in order to reintegrate successfully. Through participants' accounts, I describe the challenges and opportunities older reintegrating women face and explore what can be done to ensure that they have the best possible reintegration experiences.