A study supported by the National Institute of Justice revealed that the older a woman is upon release from prison, the more likely she is to re-integrate into civilian society and avoid recidivism. After examining the cases of 218 women released from prison in the ’90s, those 46 or older were more likely to focus on rehabilitating themselves after release than younger women. Even those with substance abuse problems were more likely to recognize the hard work required to get and remain clean. It was the undesired fate of dying alone in prison or on the street that inspired them to appreciate a second chance.

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