ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the findings of the few other studies of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) affected youth discussed in the Review of Literature section. The literature reports that while younger children in an AIDS affected family may be taken in by relatives or foster families, custody poses particular problems for adolescents. Unprotected sex, at times with multiple partners is described in the literature as common among AIDS affected adolescents. Ironically, the anxiety engendered by the participants’ intimate acquaintance with the ravages of AIDS might have impaired their adaptive functioning and actually prevented them from taking steps to protect themselves. Schools can provide stability and a site for delivery of services for AIDS affected young people. Counselors of AIDS affected youth can assist the young people to create traditional or original means to memorialize their dead. The issue of grieving is complex for AIDS affected young people.
