Optimal framework for transitioning HIV+ jail inmates to the community: Findings from a National Corrections Demonstration Project grantee


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

3088.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 11:30 AM

Abstract #118344

Valorie Eckert, MPH¹, Helen Lin, MSW², Cicily Emerson, MSW², Guy Vandenberg, MSW², Laurel Cima, MPA³, and Michael Pendo, PhD⁴. (1) HIV Prevention Research and Evaluation Section, California Dept. of Health Services, Office of AIDS, 1616 Capitol Ave, Suite 74-616, MS 7700, PO Box 997426, Sacramento, CA 95899-7426, (2) Continuum, 255 Golden Gate, San Francisco, CA 94102, 415-437-2900, cicily@continuumhiv.org, (3) HIV Prevention Policy and Program Development, California Department of Health Services, 1616 Capitol Ave, Suite 74-616, Sacramento, CA 95814, (4) San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102

Issues: In San Francisco, as across the nation, incarcerated persons, especially those of color, represent a population disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. By participating in the National Corrections Demonstration Project (CDP), Continuum, together with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, sought to address this issue by creating a continuous stream of intervention, primary care, prevention, and psychosocial support and referral systems linking correctional and community settings.

Description: Continuum was funded by CDP to expand existing services for HIV + men and women at the San Francisco County Jail to more comprehensive services supporting a successful transition back into their community. Unique components include: (a) 3 months transitional housing, (b) money management, (c) intensive case management, (d) on-site medical care, (e) mandatory Breakfast Program, and (e) mental health counseling. A total of 256 HIV+ inmates (62% persons of color) received discharge planning in jail with 214 inmates going on to receive community case management services post-release.

Lessons learned: On average, case managers spent 38 hours on each client, 80% of which was face to face case management. Client and case manager focus groups outlined the following as a “successful” framework: 1st: Foster trust and facilitate insight into client's behavior-patterns that lead to re-incarceration and medical non-compliance. 2nd: Insure client's “ownership” over their transition. 3rd: Offer concrete and practical assistance for the client in stabilizing their lives and obtaining goals identified. Specific steps will be outlined.

Recommendations: Close collaboration between public health, corrections and community providers is necessary for successful seamless reintegration.

Learning Objectives:

Learning objectives

At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to

1. Discuss the components necessary to plan for and provide successful reintegration services and access to care for HIV positive inmates and ex-offenders.
2. Understand the inherent challenges for community providers working within the correctional system.
3. Describe the needs of incarcerated individuals with HIV and how those needs can be met in the community.
4. Apply the content of this session to assess the feasibility of a similar reintegration model in their jurisdiction.

Keywords: Incarceration, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Sexual Health and Personal Responsibility: The Burden of HIV/AIDS on the African-American Community

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA