HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV completely. Once a person has HIV, they have it for life. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in the body, making the person more likely to get infections or infection-related cancers. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of the cells that the body cannot fight off infections and disease. These opportunistic infections or cancers take advantage of a very weak immune system and signal that the person has AIDS, the last state of HIV infection.
It is the policy of Community Based Care (CBC) to maximize knowledge, skills, and resources to meet the unique and complex needs of children and families who have or are at risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS.) It is important to note that the child and family’s immune status should remain confidential in case note, documentation, etc. Instead, the child/person should be referred to as “immune suppressed.”
Case Manager Responsibilities for Children with HIV
If it is found that a child in shelter care has AIDS, the shelter parent shall be notified immediately so that necessary precautions can be taken to ensure that the child is not exposed to anyone in the home who may be ill. Shelter parents must be instructed to notify the Case Manage immediately if they learn that a child has AIDS. The following procedures must then be implemented:
- The Case Manager will arrange for a service planning conference to develop a plan for another placement as soon as possible.
- The following must be notified and given an opportunity to attend the service planning conference:
- The child’s attending physician or designee;
- The child’s parent unless confidentiality provisions apply;
- The district AIDS coordinator; and
- The Project AIDS Care case manager, if applicable.
- Children who are HIV infected without symptoms of AIDS normally do not require special placement procedures, unless the child is exhibiting high-risk behaviors. In such instances, the staffing procedure outlined in paragraph 65C-13.017(1)(f), F.A.C., shall be followed to determine an appropriate placement. Because the child carries the HIV virus and, therefore, is capable of transmitting the virus, procedures for personal and environmental hygiene practices should be followed.
- The Case Manager shall provide the caretaker with a copy of the most current information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding procedures for personal and environmental hygiene practices related to HIV infection. The counselor shall review the procedures in detail with the caretaker and answer any questions the caretaker may have. The review must be documented in the child’s case record.
- The number and frequency of visits with the foster families and children depend upon the professional support needed to cope with the problems and stress created when caring for a child with serious illness. These families must be contacted weekly, by telephone if not face to face. At a minimum, the families must be visited once a month.
Resources: Centers for Disease Control. (2015). HIV basics. SCC Policy 100.053, Children with HIV and AIDS
