Prison inmates are disproportionally affected by HIV, mental illness and substance use/abuse (NCCHC, CASA); insufficient treatment of these conditions during incarceration and in the community hinders successful reintegration with family, community and the workforce at release.  To smooth the transition, in New Jersey, case managers from six community-based organizations are contracted to provide integrated pre- and post-release discharge planning/case management and HIV screening and prevention services to HIV-positive and high-risk HIV-negative inmates in ten prisons and pre-release facilities.  From July 2000 through December 2002 case managers successfully engaged 1256 clients in services during incarceration, and have connected 425 with post-release case management (not all have been released).

Evaluation data are gathered on client utilization of key services at baseline (for the six months before incarceration) and on each 30-day period post-release for six months.  From January 2001 through August 2002, 193 inmates were recruited for the evaluation and 48 surveys were completed for the first 30-day interval post-release.  Preliminary results (see table) show success—most clients met with a case manager in the community and more clients participated in HIV, mental health and substance abuse treatment in the 30 days after release (when many releasees relapse or recidivate) than in the six months before incarceration.  Services and evaluation will continue through September 2004.  

 

	Baseline	Follow-Up
	(n=48)
Case Management	N/A	81.3%
	(n=37)
HIV Care	51.4%	86.5%
HIV Medications	41%	64.9%
	(n=21)
Mental Health Care	28.6%	33.3%
Mental Health Medications	19.0%	23.8%
	(n=48)
Drug Treatment	29.2%	68.8%
Alcohol Treatment	14.6%	16.7%