Don’t forget the parents

In 2010 it was estimated there were between 24,000-35,000 children under the age of 18 living in a family where at least one member was HIV positive (CWAC 2010). Parents continue to struggle to tell their children about HIV in the family. They fear their child’s reaction and do not want to ‘burden them’. Yet young people have told the Children’s HIV Association (CHIVA) that they become aware of HIV in the family long before they are told, and this leads to unnecessary anxiety, fear, worry and anger.

In 2009, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) funded CHIVA for three years to develop a website for parents and young people with HIV and young people affected by HIV across the UK and Ireland. CHIVA has worked very closely with groups of parents and young people developing a website that responds to their needs and meets their expectations.

The site includes:

• Talking to your child about HIV
  
• Testing your child for HIV
  
• A separate web tool developed for a parent to support disclosure of HIV in their family.
  
• An area for young people affected by HIV.
  
• Films and interviews
  
• A secure website for HIV infected children and young people.

Please visit www.chiva.org.uk to view the developments and explore the section for professionals.

Promotional materials for clinic are available on request, simply email getinvolved@chiva.org.uk.