Emerging patterns of services and case finding for children with HIV infection.

A population of young children is appearing with HIV infection of perinatal origin whose personal and family problems are complex. Most of their mothers are involved with intravenous drug abuse. The infants are in reasonable health for the first half year and then present with increasing medical and developmental problems. Eventually, the majority require foster care. Some are integrated in intervention or preschool services, with confidentiality protected; others are in segregated educational programs. Family supports and specialized services are often inadequate.