Introduction

In December 1982, the Centers for Disease Control began receiving the first reports of cases of children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Extended family members were described as being afraid of AIDS, incompetent to care for children with HIV/ AIDS, or were not identified. The stigma associated with HIV/AIDS continues to be powerful, pervasive, and difficult to eliminate or reduce. Affected adolescents are particularly vulnerable and should be targeted for preventive efforts. Although the early focus was on children with HIV and AIDS, the focus has expanded to encompass the large number of children who are affected by HIV/AIDS due to the diagnosis of their parents, relatives, or other caregivers and friends. Case management for children and youths with profound medical needs, as well as psychological, social, and spiritual needs, is challenging. Helping parents throughout the permanency planning process continues to be a major challenge.