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Parole outcomes in a developmental context: The interplay of age at offense and rehabilitation

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  • Koza, Meghan
  • Kokkalera, Stuti S.

Abstract

Prior research on parole board decision-making indicates that clear demonstrations of rehabilitative efforts are salient in deciding if a candidate will receive parole. In the United States, roughly one-third of all individuals serving life sentences are under the age of 25 (Nellis & Barry, 2025). Several U.S. Supreme Court decisions and state appellate courts have designated juvenile lifers as a protected constitutional class due to their reduced culpability and unique rehabilitative potential. However, there is no consensus about whether age at the time of the sentencing offense and rehabilitative program participation jointly influence the decision to release. This study aims to identify if the possibility of parole release differs among juvenile, emerging adult, and adult lifers based on rehabilitative program participation, and if so, if any specific program type is driving this difference. To do so, data derived from written parole hearing decisions for 648 parole candidates in one state who had hearings between 2017 and 2024 are analyzed. Logistic regression results show that while age at the time of offense may not be a significant predictor, participation in rehabilitative programs is associated with an increased likelihood of release, particularly programs that have practical implications for successful reentry. How parole boards perceive rehabilitative efforts through program participation while incarcerated, particularly for those who were juveniles or emerging adults at the time of the offense, has policy and practical implications as they influence parole candidates' likelihood of release.

Suggested Citation

  • Koza, Meghan & Kokkalera, Stuti S., 2025. "Parole outcomes in a developmental context: The interplay of age at offense and rehabilitation," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:101:y:2025:i:c:s0047235225001953
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102546
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