[MommyAlysia]

to foster and/or adopt children with a contagious disease (HIV, HepC) when there are other children in the home? Without doing any research on the matter, I am completely open to taking in children with HIV or HepC, my understanding is that they aren't *that* contagious, its only spread through blood. Is that too much of a risk to the children already residing in the house? Would you take the risk? My children's health/safety is a number one priority for me but I guess I don't really think its that big of a risk. Like I said though, I have *not* researched it so maybe it is a bigger risk then I think?
WDYT?

[BrandyHagz]

Alysa,

It may actually depend on your state – not all states allow for (and actually some prohibit) full disclosure.

For example, when we fostered in Illinois, we were told that we would not be told if a child was HIV+ when the child was placed in our home, although we’d like discover it pretty early on, due to Dr.’s appointments etc.

We were told to use infections disease precautions for EVERY child, regardless of their health, not only for our own safety, but for the safety of the child.

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

Alysa~
Children living with other children who are HIV+ or have HepC would need to be old enough to be taught safety precautions. There are certainly things you can do to reduce the risks but you cannot erase them altogether. Small children play outside and get cuts and wounds that bleed and other small children try to help. It's natural that they would. We want them to help someone who is hurt, but they don't understand that open cuts or wounds on their own body leave them at risk. HOWEVER, these are risks children take everyday on every playground in America. It just significantly raises the risk to have a contagious child living in your home 24/7. I would suggest you take special classes to educate yourself on how to protect yourself and if your children are of an age that they can go with you or can be taught by you about bodily fluids, wearing gloves when blood is involved, and what HIV is then it is a decision that only you can make. If they are not old enough to understand, then I would have to say it would be something I would not do.

Kim

[MommyAlysia]

Originally Posted by BrandyHagz

Alysa,

It may actually depend on your state – not all states allow for (and actually some prohibit) full disclosure.

For example, when we fostered in Illinois, we were told that we would not be told if a child was HIV+ when the child was placed in our home, although we’d like discover it pretty early on, due to Dr.’s appointments etc.

We were told to use infections disease precautions for EVERY child, regardless of their health, not only for our own safety, but for the safety of the child.

Huh, I didn't know that. The agency I am looking has different foster programs, one of them being "Medically Needy". I assumed that AIDS and HepC would fall under that, I would think if that were there only medical need they would have to tell us, but I am very new to all this. really it will be a couple years before we can actually have foster kids in the home(DH is in school), I am just trying to get as much info now so once we are ready we can as quick as possible through the whole process.
Wouldn't they most likely be on meds?

[SuzBerg]

I don't know a lot about HIV/Hepatitis C but I did want to share our experience.

I think the most important thing to do on making a decision regarding adopting ANY medically fragile child would be to talk to a pediatrician or other medical professional about the diagnosis.

Our daughter has a complex congenital heart defect and we had no idea what it meant. Her SW and our caseworker really couldn't tell us that much (it is a pretty complex defect). So I talked to a friend who was in med-school (she couldn't offer a lot of info but her dad was a cardiologist so he HELPED a lot) my sons' pediatrician also helped us to get a better idea of what it would entail. We were certain we would adopt our daughter no matter what we found out about her diagnosis BUT I really think it helps to be as prepared as you can be. We as parents of med frag kids have a big challenge but is a little less challenging when you know as much as you can in advance.

Best wishes in your journey - Suz

[EZ2Luv]

As you know both HIV and HepC are spread by blood. Children do get cuts and scraps so that would have to be number one to consider. Also, HepC can be spread by simply sharing a toothbrush. The best thing to do would be to educate yourself on how these deseases are transmitted. Honestly, the HIV is alot harder to transmit(short of actually handling blood) than HCV. As long as you are able to handle the recautions you should be fine. Also educating any other children in the household. Normal everyday contact does not spread these viruses.

EZ