Rights, Duties, HIV/AIDS and Corrections (From HIV/AIDS and Prisons: Proceedings of a Conference Held 19-21 November 1990, P 169-179, 1991, Jennifer Norberry, Matt Gaughwin, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-132465)

• NCJ Number: 132471
• Author(s): J Godwin
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

Local policies and procedures to deal with AIDS in correctional facilities in Australia should recognize the legal obligations to care for the health and well-being of inmates, to comply with requirements regarding nondiscrimination and prisoners' rights, and to provide for the occupational safety and health of correctional personnel.

Abstract

Strategies based on these obligations should give priority to voluntary educational programs to achieve behavior change, voluntary HIV antibody testing programs combined with comprehensive education and counseling, the availability of condoms and equipment for cleaning needles, and access to drug treatment programs. In addition, a policy of general integration rather than segregation of seropositive inmates would best fulfill the duty to provide nondiscriminatory services. Furthermore, the use of universal infection control procedures should be required to protect the health of correctional personnel. These policies should focus not only on avoiding lawsuits, but also on the need to prevent AIDS transmission throughout the community. Finally, law reform is urgently needed regarding prisoners' rights in relation to meaningful AIDS prevention and treatment strategies which will affect both inmates and the general population. 13 references