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Corrections' New Balancing Act: AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

NCJ Number
110967
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 11 Issue: 14 Dated: (August 1987) Pages: 1,6-9
Author(s)
S D Williams
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) poses several major issues for corrections officials, including nature of the care to be provided, the costs of care, and prevention of the spread of the disease.
Abstract
Most States have reported only a few prisoners with AIDS, but the numbers are unpredictable for any correctional agency. Medical care costs for an inmate with AIDS range from an estimated $50,000 per year in Illinois to $300,000 in New York City. Taking care of inmates inside the prison system to the extent possible may help reduce the costs. Additional staff and supervisory equipment are the best ways to minimize the two known ways of AIDS transmission: sexual contact and intravenous drug use with infected needles. These extra measures cost money, but they are the only way to provide close supervision. Controversial issues that must also be addressed are whether to provide inmates with condoms, whether to test all inmates for AIDS, and how to prevent or deal with AIDS litigation by inmates or staff. Some officials predict that, for offenders with AIDS, an increase will occur in plea bargaining to avoid jail, judicial orders of early release or dismissal, compassionate parole, and clemency from governors or pardon boards, partly because of concern regarding costs of care. Examples of policies and actions from several States.