Topic: Working with HIV/Aids clients in a correctional setting
Literature Review
Each student is required to write a literature review on a related topic regarding social work in corrections. A literature review provides a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge, highlighting significant findings, and identifying gaps in the research.
The paper should be 3–4 pages in length (not including the title page and references), double spaced in APA format. You are required to use at least 3 references from reputable sources. Students may NOT use any “Wiki” sources for this paper and please do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The paper should include each of the following components:
Literature Review – POINTS
I. Introduction to paper – 50 points
Introduce your topic, provide background information and state the purpose of the review.
II. Body – 100 points
Summarize and synthesize the research making connections between sources.
Discuss strengths and weaknesses of the research and highlight significant findings.
III. Conclusion – 50 points
Summarize the main findings, discuss the implications, and suggest areas for further research.
TOTAL POINTS: 200
Cite your sources:
Use APA format for the cover page, in-text citations and references. Must be double-spaced, using Times Roman or Calibri font, size 12 point.
Use quotes sparingly and focus on paraphrasing and summarizing the information in your own words.
Solution
Working with HIV/AIDS Clients in a Correctional Setting: A Literature Review
Introduction
The intersection of HIV/AIDS care and correctional settings presents a unique challenge for social workers. Incarcerated individuals often represent marginalized populations with limited access to healthcare prior to incarceration. HIV/AIDS prevalence among inmates is significantly higher than that of the general population, driven by factors such as intravenous drug use, unprotected sex, and lack of medical follow-up. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the role of social workers in managing HIV-positive clients within correctional institutions, highlight significant research findings, assess the strengths and limitations of current practices, and identify areas needing further attention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), incarcerated individuals are at increased risk of HIV infection and often face stigma and inadequate medical and psychosocial support during their imprisonment and re-entry into society (CDC, 2021). Social workers are essential in delivering culturally competent, ethical, and evidence-based services to this vulnerable group, advocating for continuity of care and rehabilitation.
Body
Prevalence and Risk Factors
The rate of HIV infection in correctional facilities is notably higher than in the general population. A study by Maruschak et al. (2015) found that approximately 1 in 7 people with HIV pass through the criminal justice system each year in the United States. Many enter prison without knowing their status and may engage in risky behaviors such as needle sharing or unprotected sexual activity. Furthermore, socio-economic factors such as poverty, racial disparities, and substance abuse contribute to higher HIV rates among incarcerated individuals.
Challenges Faced by Social Workers
Social workers in correctional settings face a complex array of challenges when working with HIV/AIDS clients. These include institutional barriers, such as restricted confidentiality, lack of resources, and punitive rather than rehabilitative approaches. Additionally, stigma surrounding HIV can lead to discrimination from prison staff and other inmates, making it harder for clients to access treatment or counseling (Meyer et al., 2017).
Another challenge is the transition period after release. Former inmates often face disruptions in healthcare continuity, difficulty accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART), housing instability, and limited job opportunities. Social workers must coordinate post-release plans that include medical referrals, housing support, and community-based services.
Effective Interventions and Best Practices
Research highlights several effective strategies to support HIV-positive inmates. One model is the Comprehensive Discharge Planning approach, where social workers begin reintegration planning well before release. Studies suggest that linking inmates with case management services and healthcare providers immediately upon release significantly improves treatment adherence and reduces viral loads (Springer et al., 2011).
Educational programs in prison settings, facilitated by social workers, also help reduce stigma and promote awareness. These programs emphasize the importance of routine testing, safe practices, and treatment adherence. Furthermore, trauma-informed care has proven essential in addressing the mental health needs of HIV-positive individuals with histories of abuse or addiction.
Strengths and Weaknesses in the Literature
The literature provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of continuity-of-care models and the role of social work in mitigating post-release challenges. However, limitations include a lack of longitudinal studies that follow clients after release for extended periods, and insufficient focus on female and LGBTQ+ populations in correctional HIV research. Moreover, much of the research is U.S.-centric, and there is a need for comparative studies across different correctional systems globally.
Conclusion
The literature reveals that correctional institutions are critical points for HIV diagnosis, treatment, and intervention. Social workers play a pivotal role in supporting HIV-positive inmates by providing counseling, linking clients to services, and advocating for systemic changes. Effective interventions like discharge planning and education can reduce recidivism and improve health outcomes. However, more inclusive and long-term research is needed, especially focusing on diverse subpopulations and international contexts.
Future research should explore gender-responsive approaches, the role of peer support networks, and the impact of policy reform on access to HIV care in prisons. Ultimately, addressing HIV/AIDS in correctional settings requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and human-rights-based approach where social work remains a central component.
References (APA 7th Edition)
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HIV in correctional settings. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/correctional.html
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Maruschak, L. M., Bronson, J., & Alper, M. (2015). HIV in prisons, 2015 - statistical tables. Bureau of Justice Statistics. https://bjs.ojp.gov
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Meyer, J. P., Qiu, J., Chen, N. E., Larkin, G. L., Altice, F. L., & Springer, S. A. (2017). Emergency department use by released prisoners with HIV: An observational longitudinal study. PLoS ONE, 12(7), e0180068. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180068
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Springer, S. A., Spaulding, A. C., & Meyer, J. P. (2011). Public health implications for adequate transitional care for HIV-infected prisoners: Five essential components. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 53(5), 469–479. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/cir446