NCJ Number
180544
Date Published
December 1996
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the California Department of Corrections Transitional Case Management Project (TCMP), which was established to provide support services to inmates and parolees who have been diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Abstract
The underlying assumption of TCMP is the importance of early detection of the disease and immediate linkage with medical care and intervention programs in the community, both to assist the individual and to prevent further transmission. A total of 339 inmates began participation in TCMP during calendar year 1994. During 1995 the program was expanded to include 646 inmates. While on parole TCMP cases may be referred to tuberculosis programs, residential substance abuse programs, hospice care, home health or attendant care programs, transportation assistance, support groups, entitlement programs, emergency housing services, employment opportunity assistance, and medical and dental care. The aim of providing these services while on parole is to prevent the parolees' return to prison to receive the specialized and expensive care required for their illness. The program, which began in 1993, apparently has lowered the 1-year return-to-prison rate 12 percent for inmates who received the TCMP services. The findings suggest that the TCMP program has a significant effect on the recidivism of the more seriously ill parolees, who are also the most costly to house in prison. The consequent savings in prison costs, including health care services provided by the Department of Corrections, was found to exceed substantially the costs of the TCMP program. The evaluation concludes that the TCMP is effective in meeting its goals to both reduce the recidivism of TCMP participants and reduce related prison housing costs. 2 tables