Other issues index
Something to remember is that, although HIV is a big deal, in many
cases it is not the singular issue that a child is struggling with.
HIV-positive children come with all the regular baggage that any foster
child might carry as well as some of the special issues and unique
concerns. A few of
these issues are outlined in this section.
depression
Depression is to be expected in children who have HIV who are in foster
care or available for adoption. Recognizing depression in
children is incredibly important in ensuring children are taking care
of themselves and aren't overwhelmed by stress, which could be harmful
to their health.
sexual
abuse
Sexual abuse of children with HIV does occur, whether that abuse is
responsible for the children's HIV infection or not. Statistics
show sexual abuse is very common, and HIV does not make a child immune
to this type of abuse.
adoption
issues
HIV-positive children are just as likely
as other children to have loss issues regarding their birth parents,
especially when there is a possibility that a birth parent is also
suffering from HIV. Children who are fixated on birth parent
issues will need additional support.
parental
loss
When an HIV-positive child is placed with
you, there's a chance the child's birth parent may be dying of AIDS or
has already died. Children who lose a parent go through a variety
of emotions and behaviors as a result of that loss.
© 2003 Sarah P. All rights
reserved.
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