NCJ Number
112986
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 50 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1988) Pages: 190,192,194
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Because of the high incidence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Los Angeles County, a committee was established to examine AIDS-related issues affecting staff and youth in the county's juvenile institutions.
Abstract
The committee found that while many issues affecting adult corrections also applied to juveniles, these were complicated by the care and treatment role of juvenile facilities and differences in the rights of minors. The committee recommended against mass screening of juveniles because of the low number of adolescent AIDS cases, problems with consent, the possibility of discrimination, and the increased need for counseling. It suggested that testing only be performed when medically indicated, ordered by a physician, and consented to by the minor. The committee recommended that test results and related information be maintained in separate, confidential folders; that minors receive counseling on the pros and cons of being tested for the AIDS antibody; and that only the minor should be informed of negative results, but various care and service providers should be informed of positive results. It also recommended that asymptomatic seropositives not be segregated, that juveniles with AIDS-related complex be assigned housing on a case-by-case basis, and that those with AIDS be housed in the infirmary until a suitable treatment program was found. The committee also assisted in the development of a staff training program and an AIDS education and prevention program for detained minors.