Living successfully outside prison borders: Intensive case management for paroling HIV+ inmates

Issue: Nationally, two percent of state and one percent of federal prison inmates have HIV, and 25 percent of people living with HIV have spent time in the correctional system. HIV infection rates in California prisons are 10 times higher than for the state's general population. Incarceration represents a unique opportunity to impact post-release adherence to HIV medical regimes and increase personal success through the provision of pre and post-release intensive case management. Description: This presentation will describe the successes and challenges of the Riverside County, CA Transitional Case Management Program (TCMP) for inmates with HIV. Under contract with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, TCMP provides transitional case management and pre-release planning services to inmates with HIV paroling to Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. TCMP works collaboratively with state correctional facilities to connect with paroling HIV+ inmates. Prior to release from prison, TCMP staff work with inmates to develop a plan that includes pre-release psychological assessments and linkages to medical/social support services. Staff work closely with inmates to identify what support, such as food, medication, and housing, is needed before they are released and provide up to 6 months of follow-up to enable inmates to develop life management skills, remain linked with medical care, and remain out of prison. Lessons learned: Since its inception, TCMP has served over 800 inmates. One of the biggest challenges is coordination with correctional facilities. Recommendations: Future directions include forming a task force to collaborate with all prison health programs, not just HIV/AIDS.