Life After Life Sentences Reentry Successes and Struggles of Children Sentenced to Life Without Parole
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Abstract
Record ID: 195
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: McNair Scholars Program
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Following the 2016 U.S. Supreme Court's Montgomery v. Louisiana decision, approximately 2,500 individuals sentenced as juveniles to life without parole (JLWOP) became eligible for release. This study examines the reentry challenges and successes of these "juvenile lifers," who are re-entering society after decades of incarceration, now as older adults.Employing a secondary mixed-method approach, the study utilizes life history interviews and calendars to analyze the post-release experiences of men and women in Pennsylvania who served JLWOP sentences. The research reveals significant reentry challenges for juvenile lifers, particularly the issue of indefinite parole, often referred to as "lifetime parole" or a "life tail." These findings highlight the necessity for further research into the long-term experiences of these individuals. Understanding their unique challenges is crucial for developing more effective reentry support and policies.