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Children with HIV/Aids - Support

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Children and Young people aged 0 - 18 years are particularly at risk of infections (including HIV/AIDS) if they are involved in prostitution, inject drugs or practice unsafe sex. They may be cared for by someone who is HIV positive and involved in the above unsafe practices, while failing to minimise risks of infection transfer or be the unborn baby of an expectant mother, who intends to breast feed. Support for children with HIV/AIDS, their carers, and/or expectant mothers, can be accessed via their registered General Practitioners, GU Medicine at Barnsley District General Hospital or Children's Services (Social Services). Support may include:

Counselling
Therapies
HIV testing
Preventative work
Advice and information
Access to HIV support group

Support is available for all children and young people aged 0-18 years, or HIV Positive expectant mothers.

Expert medical advice should be sought when considering whether a child's welfare would be best served by a HIV test. This can be accessed via the child's General Practitioner or a Consultant Paediatrician.

Counselling should be arranged for the child so that the nature of the test and the potential implications of a positive test are fully understood.

Consultation should take place with parents and any other person with parental responsibility. They should be given information and access to counselling, so that they can make an informed contribution in the process.

Where a young person is aged 16 years and over s/he must give informed consent before the HIV test is undertaken, and this consent must be documented.

Any concerns regarding HIV testing should be referred to the Health Advisor in GU Medicine at Barnsley District General Hospital.

All women are offered information about HIV during pregnancy, and can access HIV testing via GU Medicine Barnsley District Hospital. If a mother who is known to be HIV Positive insists upon breast feeding, then contact should take place with one of the Assessment Teams in Children's Services. Community Midwives at Barnsley District General Hospital, provide the pre and post - natal care in partnership with Health Visitors.

Children and Young people who are HIV positive or are living with AIDS can access support via Childrens Services Assessment Teams.

A range of other personnel including School Nurses, Health Promotion Specialists, PHSE co-ordinators in schools, Social Workers and Carers are working together to support all children and young people, and prevent them being exposed to risky behaviours which could lead to infection.