We provide a number of services for the men at the state's Arthur Kill Correctional Facility and from upstate correctional facilities.  Our prison programs include HIV Testing, Transitional Case Management, Escort & Transportation to Releasees, and linkages with Community Based Services.  These services ensure that they are connected to medical, mental health, housing, parole, and other services immediately upon discharge. 

HIV Criminal Justice Initiative, Community Re-Entry Program – This program aims to reduce recidivism and coordinate services for HIV+ men just released from a Department of Corrections facility. Services include transportation from point of entry to NYC, escort & advocacy with Parole, medical care, HASA, housing, CBO’s, and the completion of discharge plan.  

Community Health Action of Staten Island works with community organizations that provide transitional planning in upstate correctional facilities. These programs provide us with referrals which include their intake, discharge planning, and Department of Health HIPAA releases. Upon release, program staff meet the client at their point of entry into NYC, usually at Port Authority Bus terminal or Penn Station. The following services are coordinated with clients: 

• Escort and transport to the first parole appointment within 24 hours of release.
• Escort and transport to initial enrollment at HIV/AIDS Service Administration (HASA) Public Assistance office, Social Security office, or other benefit offices
• Work with parole to find emergency housing immediately upon discharge if housing is not suitable.
• Introduction to and engagement with the community services organization for case management.
• Escort and transport to HIV primary care provider appointments..

The Community Re-Entry Counselor works with the client for up to 3 months to ensure engagement with parole, benefits, housing, case management, and medical care, for the purposes of reducing recidivism.

Services at Arthur Kill Correctional Facility (AKCF)

AKCF Pre-Release Services – This case management program assists HIV+ individuals incarcerated in Arthur Kill Correctional Facility (AKCF) who are scheduled for release. The case management services include discharge planning; scheduling & escort to Parole; advocacy; scheduling & escort to medical care and social services; crisis intervention; individualized case work; and specialized information & referral.  Advocacy and support groups are offered to HIV+ individuals currently incarcerated at AKCF.

Support Groups at AKCF – We provide support services at Arthur Kill Correctional Facility, including the Prison Issues Group, targeting MSM's and LGBT-identified men, the "Just Us" support group for men infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and the "Nosotros" group, targeting Latinos infected with and affected by AIDS.

HIV Counseling and Testing Services – Through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we also provide free and confidential HIV Counseling and Testing Services at Arthur Kill.  We use a rapid test so that the HIV test and counseling session are completed within 45 minutes.

For information contact:

Clients:

HIV/AIDS Services

Community Advisory Group

Community Recreational Programs

Drugs & Alcohol

Food Pantry

Housing

Support Groups

Newsletter

Community:

E.S.A.P.

The Staten Island LGBT Center

Treatment Information

A.C.T Now!

Youth Services

Care Network