NCJ Number
122626
Date Published
1989
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This analysis of how school placement decisions have been made and are being made for children who test positive for HIV concludes that school districts need to develop systems and procedures to address emerging diseases and health concerns as they arise and before they attract media attention and stimulate public fear.
Abstract
The typical behaviors of grade school children are unlikely to transmit HIV. However, the childhood practice of becoming blood brothers, as well as other risk behaviors like fighting and biting should be discouraged. Schools should also recognize that school attendance exposes an infected child to common childhood illnesses that the weakened immune system may not be able to handle. School districts and their communities have responded in varying ways to issues raised by AIDS, as shown by court cases and the results of a 1986 survey of administrators in Southern California. The experience to date indicates that the cases of children with AIDS or HIV-positive test results should not be referred to the courts because of the time and confidentiality issues involved. In addition, education is essential in guiding the public and reducing fears. Health care professionals, educators, parents, and community members must recognize that AIDS is not the first or last disease to concern the schools. 46 references.