Child Protection Procedures - East Ayrshire Council

Appendix 5
HIV and other blood-borne Viruses
Many of the issues relating to children and young people infected and affected
specifically by HIV also apply to other sexually transmitted diseases and hepatitis B
and C. The issues raised in this section of the guidance have been divided into those
relating to children and young people at risk of HIV.
1. Children and Young People Living with/affected by HIV/other blood-borne
viruses
(a)
Infected children
The number of children infected by HIV is relatively small and their
service needs are well described; the principles relating to confidentiality
and children’s rights should be adhered to.
(b)
Affected children
The number of children/young people affected by HIV is generally much
greater than the number who are HIV infected. Children can be affected
because of:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
parent/carer’s illness, physical or mental (e.g. Aids, dementia)
lifestyle e.g. because they are sex workers or drug users
because they are young carers who assume inappropriate levels
of caring
The following points should be considered in working with this group:
• the child’s welfare should be paramount
• the parent’s rights versus the children’s rights
• the child’s right to know the parent’s diagnosis (it is important to
proceed at the child’s pace)
• a child’s right to be involved in plans affecting his/her future care.
• knowledge of and access to relevant services
2. Children and Young People at Risk if HIV and the blood-borne Viruses
Children and young people at risk of HIV infections are:
• The unborn baby
• The new born infant who is breast-fed when the mother is known to be
HIV positive
• Sexually abused children and/or sexually active children
Questions may arise about the need for protection of a child who may be
exposed to infection through breast feeding or through a perceived lack of care
or proactive practices on the part of the child’s infected carers. The threshold
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