Children of chaos: planning for the emotional survival of dying children of dying families

Abstract

Children dying of perinatally-acquired HIV-infection may move from one chaotic system to another as medical and social services scramble to meet the growing need. Incarceration, addiction, illness, abandonment or court removal of children, hospitalization, sibling separation or homelessness may all contribute to family death, even before the physical death of family members. Early planning is essential to prevent further chaos and to develop placement and care strategies which provide for the emotional survival of young children facing physical and familial devastation. Considerations for such planning are discussed, with practical suggestions for supporting the child through change, loss and death.