Health and Justice: A Continuum of Care for HIV and SU for Justice-Involved Young Adults (PHASE 2)

Health and Justice: A Continuum of Care for HIV and SU for Justice-Involved Young Adults (PHASE 2)

This research study proposes to embed HIV testing outreach workers from a young adult focused medical and HIV treatment program into an alternative sentencing program to deliver a new service delivery model (Link2CARE) that integrates evidence-based protocols for justice-involved young adults to: a) promote HIV and STI testing, and HIV and SU risk screening, b) provide onsite intervention, and c) cross-system linkage to HIV, STI, and SU care. Phase 1 has already been completed. In phase 1, the intervention components were adapted for use among justice involved young adults and the resulting protocols were piloted with justice involved young adults, finalizing the resulting 4-session Link2CARE intervention. In phase 2, we will test Link2CARE among N=450 justice-involved young adults enrolled at the alternative sentencing program and conduct process evaluations with N=15 alternative sentencing program staff.

Young Adults

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 18-24 years of age
• Currently enrolled at the alternative to sentencing program
• Conversant in English
• Engaged in any unprotected or vaginal sexual activity (in the past 12 months)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitively unable to complete the interview
• HIV positive

Alternative to Sentencing Staff

Inclusion Criteria:

• Currently employed at the alternative to sentencing program
• Between ages of 18-80

Exclusion Criteria:

• None