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Consultations

Guidance on children in need and blood-borne viruses: HIV and hepatitis

Launch date:

28 January 2002
Creator/s:

Department of Health
Audience:

Health and social care professionals
Copyright holder:

Crown
Product number:

264657

The guidance covers

the legislative framework;
modes of transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C;
preventing blood-borne virus transmission;
testing for blood-borne viruses;
useful sources of information and advice.

It is intended that the document will assist local authority social services departments, Health Authorities, NHS and Primary Care Trusts and other local service providers in promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children in need in relation to blood-borne viruses. The information may also be of interest to local education authorities.

The emphasis within this guidance is on ensuring that the particular circumstances of children and their families at risk of or affected by blood-borne viruses are addressed sensitively and positively. The aim is to encourage professionals involved with children and their families to work in partnership with them sharing information and sharing the implications for them.

We asked for comments on:

the scope and content of the guidance;
whether the document carries the right level of detail in a clear and comprehensible enough form; and
whether there are gaps in the information provided.

Dr Pat Troop
Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Ms Denise Platt
Chief Inspector
Social Services Inspectorate

This document replaces "Guidance on prevention and testing in children and HIV - guidance for local authorities" (1992), and includes advice about hepatitis B and C.