Intentional HIV Contraction: Implications for Direct Child and Youth Care

When we think of suicide we do not usually think of someone knowingly & willingly contracting HIV. This paper recommends expanding our consideration of suicide to include intentional contraction of HIV. Reviewing the current evidence of this phenomenon & considering the complex reasons for intentional infection, recommendations for the implementation of a suicide assessment & elimination of those practices that are viewed as rewarding youth who are HIV positive are made to better assist the on-line child & youth practitioner in his/her assessment & intervention regarding suicide for youth in care.