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Project START
We will be adding Project START trainings for website applicants in 2010. You may contact The Bridging Group to learn more about working with them to receive training sooner.

Project START is an individual-level, multi-session intervention for people being released from a correctional facility and returning to the community. It is based on the conceptual framework of Incremental Risk Reduction, and focuses on increasing clients' awareness of their HIV,STI, and Hepatitis risk behaviors after release and providing them with tools and resources to reduce their risk.


Research and Development

Wolitski, R.J. and the Project START Writing Group, for the Project START Study Group. Relative Efficacy of a Multisession Sexual Risk-Reduction Intervention for Young Men Released from Prisons in 4 States. American Journal of Public Health. 2006; 96(10): 1854-1861.

Program Review Panel Information

The CDC requires all CDC-funded agencies using the Project START to identify, or establish, and utilize a Program Review Panel and complete Form 0.1113 to document this activity. The intervention researchers and developers are not involved in this activity. This a CDC requirement for their grantees, and all questions in this regard should be directed to your agency's CDC Project Officer or to the health department funding your agency's implementation of the intervention.

The Program Review Panel guidelines, instructions for completion of Form 0.113, and the form itself are available under the Related Links section of this website.

CDC Policy on Youth Peer Outreach Workers

CDC funded (directly or indirectly) agencies using youth (either paid or volunteer) in program outreach activities need to use caution and judgement in the venues/situations where youth workers are placed. Agencies should give careful consideration to the "age appropriateness" of the activity or venue. Additionally, agencies should comply with all relevant laws and regulations regarding entrance into adult establishments/environments. Laws and curfews should be clearly outlined in required safety protocols developed and implemented by agencies directly and indirectly funded by CDC.

If you have specific questions, please contact your CDC project officer.

 
More Information
Core Elements
  • Hold program sessions with clients transitioning back to the community from a correctional setting prior to release and continue sessions with the client after they are released into the community.
  • Use a client-focused, personalized, incremental risk reduction approach.
  • Use assessment and documentation tools to provide a structured program.
  • Staff program with people who are familiar with HIV, STI, and hepatitis prevention activities and who are familiar with the specific needs of people being released from correctional settings.
  • Staff-client relationships developed during pre release sessions must be maintained during post release sessions to promote client trust. Thus, the same staff member should conduct both pre-release and post-release sessions with his or her clients.
  • Conduct enrollment and schedule two pre-release sessions within 2 months before a client's release.
  • Schedule four post-release sessions. Hold the first session as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of release. The next three sessions should be spaced out over 3 months after release.
  • Provide condoms at each post-release session.
  • Actively maintain contact with clients, using individual-based outreach and program flexibility to determine the best time and place to meet with them.
Additional Information: (800) 462-9521 or (202) 884-8712
E-mail: interventions@aed.org
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