Issues and Controversies With Respect to the Management of AIDS in Corrections (From AIDS: The Impact on the Criminal Justice System, P 195-210, 1990, Mark Blumberg, ed. -- See NCJ-122746)

• NCJ Number: 122760
• Author(s): M Blumberg
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Merrill Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

AIDS poses several issues for correctional policymakers and administrators, including mandatory testing, the separation of HIV-positive inmates, confidentiality, the appropriate content of educational programs, the distribution of condoms, and the release of persons with AIDS.

Abstract

Surveys by NIJ over the last 3 years have shown that the number of AIDS cases is increasing in correctional facilities, but at a slower pace than in the general population. Some correctional systems have established mass screening for HIV and segregate inmates who test positive for HIV. Although most public health officials regard these measures as inappropriate, others say that the unique circumstances of the institution justify this response. In addition, the fear of transmission from inmates to correctional staff is warranted. Moreover, little evidence exists to suggest that HIV is being sexually transmitted between inmates within the institution. Most prisoners diagnosed with AIDS have a prior history of intravenous drug use. Thus, correctional institutions have not become breeding grounds for AIDS, and institutions probably provide more security for intravenous drug users than would the street. Notes and 36 references.