Successful Community Follow-up and Reduced Recidivism in HIV Positive Women Prisoners

Abstract

In Rhode Island, approximately 12 percent of incarcerated women are HIV seropositive. A Prison Release Program was initiated to link women with medical care, financial assistance, substance abuse treatment, and housing upon release. In the first 12 months of the program, 41 women were enrolled. Successful referral to medical follow-up occurred in 78 percent of women; financial assistance to 80 percent; drug rehabilitation in 65 percent; and housing for 57 percent. Recidivism rates at six months (12%) and 12 months (17%) were reduced by over 50 percent compared to recidivism rates of HIV seropositive women who were not enrolled in the program (27% and 39%, respectively) and women who were HIV negative and released without the benefits of the program (22% and 37%, respectively). The Prison Release Program successfully linked the majority of HIV seropositive women with primary medical care and substance abuse treatment upon release from prison and resulted in a significant decrease in their recidivism rate.