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Balancing Access and Safety: Meeting the Challenge of Blood Borne Viruses in Prison

NCJ Number
235683
Date Published
July 2011
Length
65 pages
Annotation
This study from the Public Health Association of Australia examined the possibility of implementation of a needle and syringe program in prisons to fight the problem of blood borne viruses.
Abstract
This study explored the development of a model for implementation of a needle and syringe program (NSP) at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) located in the Australian Capital Territory. The primary objective of the project was to develop a model NSP that would ensure the health and safety outcomes for drug-addicted offenders upon receipt of a prison sentence. The results of the study are presented in eight chapters: Chapters 1 and 2 discuss the primary objectives of the project and the methodology used for the study; chapter 3 contains an analysis of the current research on the subject; chapter 4 identifies key themes that emerged from the review; chapter 5 provides an overview of programs operating in other countries; chapter 6 contains an analysis of the preferred model; chapter 7 examines the potential issues in relation to criminal and civil liability for staff involved in the program; and chapter 8 outlines conclusions and recommendations arising from the study. Figures, references, and attachments