Children Living With and Affected by HIV in Residential Rare

Summary

In many countries, significant numbers of children are temporarily or permanently cared for in residential care. The exact numbers of boys and girls living in such circumstances is not known, although it is estimated to be at least two million globally, and likely to be many more. Evidence suggests that the phenomenon of residential care has been growing in recent years due to a complex interplay of different factors, among them HIV and AIDS. To date, there is no systematic information on the numbers of children living with or directly affected by HIV who are placed in residential care, the reasons for and the impacts of their placement on individual children, their families and communities and on the residential care facilities themselves. This paucity of data makes it difficult to monitor the success of efforts to support family-based care, prevent separation and promote reunification for all children, including those affected by HIV. It also impairs efforts to ensure that children living with HIV in residential care are able to access HIV-specific services that are supportive and appropriate.