Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 2003

Keywords

HIV, AIDS, families, children

Abstract

Human iummuno-deficiency virus (HIV) illness in children poses tremendous challenges to medical providers and families to work together to deliver optimal care. An alternative to filing "neglect" reports with the Department of Social Services is necessary to provide support and appropriate intervention to families and medical providers caring for HIV-positive children.

The creation of a neutral entity that could intervene and identify barriers to treatment and communication between the medical providers and the family would benefit all the parties involved. Knowledgeable mediators could help facilitate communication and identify appropriate support for the child and family.

Intervention would not be delayed until it is demonstrated that a child has been "neglected" or is at substanial risk of harm. Assistance could be made available without a finding that a parent was guilty of wrongdoing. Involving parents as full partners in medical decision making and monitoring would benefit children living with HIV now and in the future. The creation of an alternative process will also prove valuable in assisting providers and families caring for other medically at-risk children, e.g., children with asthma, diabetes, or mental illness.

Publication Citation

54 Juvenile and Family Court Journal 1 (2003).

Disciplines

Family Law

Included in

Family Law Commons

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