Are children in foster care tested for HIV and who receives the test result?
Foster care staff conduct an HIV risk assessment on all children who are entering foster care. If a child is considered to be at risk for H IV and does not have the capacity to consent, foster care staff obtain appropriate signed consent and make arrangements for HIV testing. Children and youth who are at risk for HIV and who are determined by the foster care agency as having the capacity to consent are recommended, but not mandated to have an HIV test. Authorized foster care agencies, foster and adoptive parents, local Department of Social Service units, the courts and responsible health providers may access HIV information, but may not disclose it unless it is for the care and treatment of the child. • Where can people get HIV counseling and testing? There are two main counseling and testing options in New York State. Anonymous HIV antibody testing is provided free of charge by the NYS Department of Health, NYC Department of Health, and by some county health departments. At anonymous
