The Augusta Correctional Medical Institution (A.C.M.I.) support group is described in this paper in terms of its mediating functions and its conceptual group process continuum framework which provides a basis for understanding and evaluating changing educational, counseling, and therapy foci. Concerns and recommendations evolving from this case study involve the need for open communication between custodial and mental health personnel to foster cooperation and support and the need for group leaders to be professionally competent; well-trained; and experienced in group leadership, as well as knowledgeable about AIDS and related conditions; comfortable in working with homosexuals, drug abusers, and convicts; and able to effectively handle verbal abuse and hostility. Sick persons may have different concerns and needs than HIV positives and may warrant separate counseling; whereas, a mixture of AIDS, ARC, and seropositive persons in a support group may foster growth and one-to-one awareness. Group leaders need to give attention to ethical, as well as social and psychological needs, and must be conscious of the impact of prison environment, prejudicial tension, and labeling resentment on the group's interaction. Finally, records must be kept to evaluate results. 18 references.