Responding to the rise of people leaving imprisonment in older age: development of a ‘Support-Efficacy’ framework as a transdisciplinary, holistic and strengths-based guide for understanding reintegration to the community.

Prisons globally face an 'ageing epidemic,' releasing unprecedented numbers of older adults annually. Research highlights substantial challenges in reintegrating this underserved and marginalized group across health and social domains. Urgent work is needed to understand their needs and develop effective social, criminological, and public health solutions. This study aimed to create a transdisciplinary, strengths-based framework to understand and begin addressing the reintegration needs of older individuals (50+) leaving prison. Applying Charmaz’s Grounded Theory to qualitative data from Australia - including interviews and workshops with stakeholders and individuals with lived experience – resulted in the development of a 'Support-Efficacy' framework. Individuals leaving prison have varying levels of support needs and efficacy, shaped by their institutional experiences. Successful reintegration hinges on addressing these needs through stages of "institutionalization," "crisis," "survival," and "adjustment". The findings offer robust theoretical insights and practical implications across disciplines including social work, criminology, and public health.