Hiv Aids and Hep A B & C

["Barbara Meddin" <barbarme@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am wondering of any of your are aware of any policies that Child Protection Agencies have developed in relation to either foster carers and children in care who are either HIV positive or have Hepatitis.

More and more this is becoming an issue in relation  to recruitment of foster carers and how children so infected are managed in care.  

Some of the dilemmas which we are grappling with include - what is an agencies duty of care of they know prior to accepting a person as a foster carer that they are HIV positive or have Hep - does that preclude them from becoming carers, if not, does the agency have a duty of care to inform parents whose children will be placed with these carers that the carer is HIV positive or has Hep, is requiring that carers use universal precautions sufficient to manage any risk that may be involved.

In reflation to children in care, when children who are entering into care who are HIV positive or have Hep, do we have a right to inform the carers, the school etc?  

Any information you could share with us would be greatly appreciated.

Dr. Barbara Meddin, 
Principal Social Worker
Family and Children's Services
Perth, Western Australia
Australia