A new HIV prevention program has become the first to target adolescents who have run away from home. The initiative, highlighted in a recent Reuters report, was presented by Dr. Liz Arnold at the National HIV Prevention Conference—held Monday, December 3, in Atlanta (uk.reuters.com, 12/3).
The program is based on Strengths-Based Case Management, which provided adult case managers for the 21 North Carolina teenagers—ages 13 to 15—who participated. All had previously run away from home—placing them in what Arnold called a “narrow window of opportunity” before they may become homeless—which, the article notes, exponentially increases their risk for contracting HIV.
“Focusing on their strengths and tying them into their future goals shows kids that putting themselves at risk for HIV or other health problems can jeopardize reaching those goals,” says Arnold. “The kids were very receptive to having an adult role model. That connection with their case manager was a pivotal piece.”
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