Current perspectives of families of children with HIV/AIDS in regard to school systems

Abstract

During the past two decades, major advances in the field of HIV/AIDS research have occurred. With advances in medications and treatments, children born with HIV/AIDS are experiencing greater life expectancies and beginning to enter the school systems. However, this new population of children with HIV/AIDS has a variety of new and unique needs that must be addressed by schools. Given the new needs, schools may have to re-examine present policies by eliciting the views of the people most affected by the policies. The purpose of the present study was to provide a preliminary opportunity for the families of children with HIV/AIDS to express their expectations and reservations in regard to school systems and policies related to disclosure. A multi-case study research design was used to learn more about the perspectives of four parents/guardians of school-aged children with HIV/AIDS. This study was intended to challenge the assumption that the issues facing families affected by HIV/AIDS today are the same as they were in the late 1980's and early 1990's by providing a voice to families of children with HIV/AIDS and recommendations for new policies.