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Hi, I'm new to the forum. I'm interested in adopting an HIV+ child having come across and now researched the subject as much as I can on the internet. I'm trying to find out more about the situation in the Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia & Lithnuania in regards to the matter.
I've discovered that statistically, HIV in children is particularly high in Eastern Europe and that Estonia has one of the highest rates. Does anyone in the forum have any information about such orphanages in these countries? There seems to be very little information about.
The Baltic States are quite close to where I live, so I am particularly keen on exploring the possibilities there because at least the travel aspect would be very easy.
Many thanks!
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Are you an American? If so, be aware that the U.S. technically does not allow immigration of HIV+ people. The only way to bring an adopted child with known HIV+ status into the country is to get a waiver of the rule.
Waivers are somewhat difficult to get, in the case of an adopted child. In general, the government wants proof that:
1. The adoptive family has a very strong financial position and excellent health insurance that will provide coverage for the anti-viral drugs and other medical care that an HIV+ child may need over the course of his/her lifetime. The government does not want the child either to become a public burden by going on welfare, or to be unable to receive care, if he/she is permitted to enter the U.S.
2. The parents have experience with HIV, are familiar with how to care for an HIV+ child, and, in particular, will be able to teach the child how to prevent himself/herself from infecting others. In general, the people most likely to get waivers are health care professionals, such as doctors and nurses, who have worked with people living with HIV/AIDS.
Sharon
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Hi Sharon, thanks for the reply. No, actually I'm in Scandinavia. We have free health care here so that part of it doesn't worry me. And yes, I have researched the legalities of it in that respect and through my work I am up to speed on HIV treatment etc. I'm paid well so that's not an issue either. For me it's more that I know how many kids without an illness need homes, let alone how many ill ones do. As I am aware of the physical side of HIV management and all the misconceptions about the disease, I feel I'd never forgive myself if I didn't investigate adopting a child. I'm astounded how many there are throughout Eastern Europe and the Baltic states - especially since being treated offers sufferers a long life and easier to manage than diabetes (infectiousness aside).I guess my main concerns in bringing a child with HIV up are the social aspects and how they will deal with it emotionally - but I'm hoping to find parents who've already adopted to hear what they have to say.If you do know of someone, please let me know! :-)
i've spent the last 10 years in atlanta, ga as a peds nurse practitioner in the state's largest HIV clinic for children and adolescents. while the above post is true, there are lots of HIV infected children that are adopted from other countries, on medicaid.
to answer your other question, most children do not like taking medications. they taste yucky and are big pills. kids who have not had early treatment are at high risk for developmental delays- some severe, some with issues more along the learning delay end of things.
most kids deal well with any illness as long as you are as honest as you can be with them. the outlook for kids in this country is pretty good right now.
as with all teenagers, this is probably the hardest time. medication non compliance becomes an issue and they just want to be like everyone else. as you can imagine, they have desires for a family, to be socially accepted. they worry that no one will love them, can't have children, etc. any clinic worth their weight will have resources to help you deal with these things.
i'd be happy to answer any other specific questions, just pm me.
sak9645
Are you an American? If so, be aware that the U.S. technically does not allow immigration of HIV+ people. The only way to bring an adopted child with known HIV+ status into the country is to get a waiver of the rule.
Waivers are somewhat difficult to get, in the case of an adopted child.
Sharon
Effective January 4, 2010 HIV Infection is Removed from the CDC List of Communicable Diseases of Public Health Significance
On November 2, the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (HHS/CDC), published a Final Rule in the Federal Register, titled Medical Examination of Aliens - Removal of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection from Definition of Communicable Disease of Public Health Significance (HIV Final Rule). This Final Rule amends Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 34, and will remove HIV infection from the list of communicable diseases of public health significance and remove references to HIV from the scope of medical examinations for foreign citizens seeking to travel to the United States. Review the CDC website guidance and Federal Register Final Rule which will go into effect January 4.
Therefore, starting January 4, 2010, HIV infection will no longer be an ineligibility when foreign citizens apply for a visa to travel to the United States. Additionally, HIV testing will no longer be required for medical examinations for visa purposes. Further, applicants who are HIV-positive will no longer require waiver processing by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Review the HIV Questions & Answers to learn more.
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