ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a conceptualization of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention for adolescents in independent living programs that link the reduction of HIV-risk behaviors with expansion of youths’ life options through educational planning. It provides the characteristics of youths in the child welfare system that places them at risk of HIV infection. The chapter examines data that provide a rationale for designing HIV prevention programs with a life options perspective. It discusses a strategy to prevent HIV infection that includes educational planning and the provision of assets for youths in out-of-home care. Youths in out-of-home care are characterized by a high rate of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Youths involved with the child welfare system usually present with psychosocial problems associated with risk behaviors that make them vulnerable to HIV infection. Several efforts have been made to prevent HIV or reduce HIV risk behaviors through cognitive-behavioral skills training among troubled adolescents at risk.
