Children born to HIV positive mothers: Family environment, social support and care

Abstract

The research describes the socio‐familial environment of children born to HIV#pl mothers in Paris and the psychological repercussions within the family of the train of events following HIV infection. Two approaches have been followed, a quantitative analysis of the hospital and institutional files of 304 children and a clinical analysis based on semi‐directed interviews with 25 families. The objective was to study the factors that could be involved in the separation of a child from its family, and to define guideline for prevention (family needs ...). The profiles of the families were studied as a function of whether or not their children were placed under the Child Welfare Care (Aide Sociale a I'Enfance, ASE) and of the socio‐family network and support. The reorganization of the family life implies an investment in daily life as well as an improvement in living conditions, but also a restructuring of family relationships and of the entire personal and emotional sphere.

Key words:

• Child Welfare Care
• HIV
• families
• social integration
• family network
• support
• relays