October 1997
To be reviewed

In view of increasing numbers of infants born to HIV-infected mothers coupled with the spread of HIV among adolescents, the AACAP has developed the following recommendations so that Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists will have a leadership role in addressing the issues of HIV and children, adolescents and their families.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists should:

1. Acquire basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS and its impact on children and adolescents including epidemology, neurodevelopmental effects and clinical course of infection, psychiatric and consultative interventions, risk behaviors and prevention.
2. Understand indications for HIV antibody testing and consent guidelines in children and adolescents.
3. Understand how to conduct a HIV risk assessment including a developmentally appropriate history of sexual activity, substance abuse and sexual abuse history.
4. Participate in the development of programs which are effective in reducing sexual risk behaviors among the general adolescent population.
5. Participate in the development of HIV risk reduction programs targeted for adolescents who are chronically mentally ill, or developmentally disabled.
6. Support and participate in research efforts directed at learning how the impact of HIV on children, adolescents and families can be ameliorated and how transmission of HIV to and among young people can be reduced.

1. Include a training component on HIV/AIDS and children/adolescents covering the topics mentioned above.
2. Provide clinical experiences with HIV/AIDS infected or affected children, adolescents and families.

AACAP HIV Issues Committee, October 1997.