Author Topic: NEED HELP... HIV/AIDS and scouting (Read 5514 times)

costoui · « **on:** February 27, 2008, 06:15:51 am »

Hello there all,
I have a question to answer, part of a scouting project. I found this site and forum very interesting.

A parent want to bring his child in scouting (7 years old), but the child is HIV positive.
I have to write my opinion for this and what i Should do as a scout leader.

Anyone can suggest something....

Ann · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2008, 06:21:39 am »

cos,

Why shouldn't the boy join? Hiv is NOT transmitted through casual contact. Please read the HIV Transmission Lesson so you can learn how hiv is and is not transmitted.

Ann

Iggy · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2008, 10:51:58 am »

Unless the BSA want to make HIV a morality issue as they have done with gays there is nothing even slightly in the ballpark of the BSA website that would raise any reason to wonder about a child who is HIV positive.

I am curious though if you are doing this for a scouting project, can you be so kind as to disclose a little bit about yourself and what this project is and who you are in relation to it?

costoui · « **Reply #3 on:** February 27, 2008, 01:37:19 pm »

Is a part of a project which i have been assinged in order to get a certified diploma as a scout leader.

So if you can help me...

The question is if I accept the child, what should i do in my troop? the other kids? should they know about it? the parents of the other childs? etc

thanks

sharkdiver · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2008, 01:43:13 pm »

Why in the world would you tell others about it?

That is not your place and would be morally wrong. Plus there are probably disclosure laws that would affect you if you did.

I do appreciate you gathering information here and willing to hear opinions. It would be better for you to ask the questions now, than for us reading about you in the newspaper being sued.

Sharkie

costoui · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2008, 01:46:07 pm »

Yes I agree with you, that you should tell to other parents about it.

But what if the parents find it out after we accept the kid to the troop?

They will saying that the scouts are irisponsible

sharkdiver · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2008, 01:49:05 pm »

Quote from: costoui on February 27, 2008, 01:46:07 pm

Yes I agree with you, that you should tell to other parents about it.

But what if the parents find it out after we accept the kid to the troop?

They will saying that the scouts are irisponsible

I hope you are saying NOT tellling them.

sharkdiver · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2008, 01:55:00 pm »

Did you read how HIV is transmitted?

Maybe you should read about Ryan White and all of the Horrors this brave kid went through.

costoui · « **Reply #8 on:** February 27, 2008, 01:56:29 pm »

oh oh sorry typing mistake, you should't tell the other parents

hartiepie · « **Reply #9 on:** February 27, 2008, 01:57:06 pm »

Quote

But what if the parents find it out after we accept the kid to the troop?

They will saying that the scouts are irisponsible

How are the Scouts responsible for anything surrounding the child's infection? Of course they are not, so no one needs to know anything. HIV is a non-issue for full participation.

sharkdiver · « **Reply #10 on:** February 27, 2008, 01:58:03 pm »

Quote from: costoui on February 27, 2008, 01:56:29 pm

oh oh sorry typing mistake, you should't tell the other parents

oh thank goodness.... I was getting a little angry there

Iggy · « **Reply #11 on:** February 27, 2008, 01:59:49 pm »

Quote from: costoui on February 27, 2008, 01:37:19 pm

Is a part of a project which i have been assinged in order to get a certified diploma as a scout leader.

So if you can help me...

The question is if I accept the child, what should i do in my troop? the other kids? should they know about it? the parents of the other childs? etc

thanks

Are you telling me that the Boy scouts offer no guidance to their leaders in training on dealing with issues of HIV?

costoui · « **Reply #12 on:** February 27, 2008, 02:15:57 pm »

I couldn;t find any publications

Iggy · « **Reply #13 on:** February 27, 2008, 02:18:14 pm »

Quote from: costoui on February 27, 2008, 02:15:57 pm

I couldn;t find any publications

I guess that answers my question in a very indirect way.

I still would like to know more details about this project. Can you please clarify?

pozguy75 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 27, 2008, 02:27:23 pm »

The irrisponsible thing would be to discriminate against the boy because he is HIV positive, the responsible thing to do would be to educate the other children and especially the parents on HIV with out outing this poor kid.

As scouts, you hold have a responsibility to your members and the community you live in to do the right thing. This kid deserves the right to be treated like any other kid his age. Would you disallow membership to a kid with Leukemia? Would you limit membership to a kid with Hepatitis?

This is a terrific opportunity to educate yourself and others. Don't deny a kid to be a kid!

hartiepie · « **Reply #15 on:** February 27, 2008, 02:31:41 pm »

Quote from: costoui on February 27, 2008, 02:15:57 pm

I couldn;t find any publications

Maybe because even the Scouts know there wouldn't be much there to report

Iggy · « **Reply #16 on:** February 27, 2008, 02:36:13 pm »

Actually a quick google turns up some interesting things, as well as a quick search on the boy scouts site. I also have two nephews in the scouts and I know a thing or two about this issue and how there is specific training for boy scouts (let alone leaders) on how to assume that all cuts and wounds are to be dealt with as if the person was infectious.

I really am questioning the veracity of the project that we are being asked to weigh in on.

hartiepie · « **Reply #17 on:** February 27, 2008, 02:51:46 pm »

Quote from: Iggy on February 27, 2008, 02:36:13 pm

I really am questioning the veracity of the project that we are being asked to weigh in on.

Agreed; information is easily garnered. Opinions on the other hand...............

Snowangel · « **Reply #18 on:** February 27, 2008, 05:34:37 pm »

My son just joined the cub scouts and is a bear, I don't remember him being "accepted"

In our pack, if the child has a physical disability, they are allowed to join and do what they can do.

This boy has every right to join and be welcomed by your troop.

Your responsibilty lies with keeping this information to yourself and getting educated on this subject so one day you might be able to teach the scouts.

Good Luck, Snow

minismom · « **Reply #19 on:** February 27, 2008, 07:39:46 pm »

Ok, I wasn't going to chime in here, but I've changed my mind. As the wife of a Cub Scout leader, I doubt VERY seriously that this "project" is legit. But, I've been wrong before. As the mom of a Jr. Pozzie, I have to say that I wouldn't outright disclose her status. It is standard practise, and learned in training, to use Universal Precautions. That is, every med. case is equipped with latex gloves and are to be used for EVERY bloody boo-boo no matter what. Do that, and you have no problems.

I understand the concern some parents could have if they found out a child was HIV+. But, as a leader, your time would be better used putting together a "lesson" about HIV transmission to be taught to the Scouts, than writting an opionion tied to some "project" that may or may not exist.

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Author Topic: NEED HELP... HIV/AIDS and scouting (Read 5514 times)