On Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service Be the Evidence Project is hosting a forum which ‘puts a face and a name’ to this rapidly growing human rights and social justice issue: the aging prisoner crisis. For example, prisoners aged 50 and older comprise approximately 10 percent of the overall prison population and have increased tenfold since 1990. Similar situations are noted internationally, including Canada and England. The national and international correctional care system, which was not designed to function as long-term health care facility, is ill-prepared to address older prisoners’ complex physical and mental health needs, while in prison and post prison re-entry and community reintegration. This situation clearly needs a concerted and collaborative effort among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community members to craft and implement an effective response. There are international experts speaking out about the crisis of aging prisoners convening for this historic event at Fordham University! A white paper will be published from this event and distributed worldwide to researchers and practitioners. As shown below the keynote address is for the internationally renowned expert and founder of the Project for Older Prisoners, Prof. Jonathan Turley, who along with the True Grit Program, will receive the Dr. Mary Ann Quaranta Elder Justice Award.

The purpose of the Aging Prisoners Forum is to bring key stakeholders from university and community arenas to discuss the state of the research on and programming for older adults involved in the criminal justice system. Nationally and internationally known experts will present research and best practices on topics related to older adults involved in the criminal justice system (especially prison), age specific correctional programming, elder and family justice, and criminal justice policy reform. The forum will include a panel discussion with key stakeholder and addressed next steps and recommendations for system reform that addresses aging prisoners that incorporates elder justice.

Date and Time: Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, 113 West 60^th Street, New York, NY, Lowenstein Building, 12^th Floor Lounge
Cost: The Event is Free to University and Community Members
Sponsors: The Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, Collaborative for Palliative Care Westchester and NYS Southern Region, National Organization of Forensi Social Workers

Online Registration and Abstract Submission: https://sites.google.com/site/betheevidenceproject

Project Contact Information: Contact project staff at BeTheEvidenceProject@gmail.com, Tina Maschi at tmaschi@fordham.edu, or Mary Beth Morrissey at mamorrissey@fordham.edu.