I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy Guide is to inform all DCFS and private agency direct service staff that pre-adoptive foster parents have the right to request human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing for any child in the custody of the Department who is being placed in their care for adoption purposes.

II. PRIMARY USERS

The primary users of this Policy Guide are all DCFS and POS agency direct services child welfare workers, adoption specialists, licensing staff and supervisors who work directly with adoption resources, children in waiting and adoptive foster parents.

III. GENERAL INFORMATION

DCFS or POS staff shall advise all prospective adoptive parents of their right to request Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing for any child for whom DCFS is legally responsible, being placed in the care of the requesting prospective adoptive parents.

Upon such request, and per guidelines indicated in Procedures 327.5(d), Guardianship Services, the Department shall provide for testing that will consist of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test to determine the presence of antibodies to HIV, or other such test(s) as may be approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. In the event of a positive result, the Western Blot Assay or a more confirmatory test shall also be administered.

Testing for HIV is covered through medicaid and can be paid using the child's medical card through his or her local Healthworks physician. Testing may also be done at Maryville Clinic in Chicago or any public health clinic in the State at no cost to the prospective adoptive parent or to the Department.

The prospective adoptive parents requesting the test shall be confidentially notified of the test result and, if the test is positive, the Department shall provide the prospective adoptive parents and child with treatment and counseling, as appropriate.

Even though the child’s physician is mandated by law to report all positive HIV test results to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the child’s caseworker shall also report all positive HIV test results within seven (7) calendar days and may do so by calling; Illinois Department of Public Health, HIV Surveillance Unit at 217/524-4749.

For additional information, please see Procedures 431.90 Disclosure of Personal Information without Consent, also Rules 431.110, Disclosure of Information Regarding Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

IV. QUESTIONS

Questions about this policy guide should be directed to Diane De Leonardo, Division of Foster Care and Permanency Services at 217/524-2422 or through Outlook at DDeLeona@idcfs.state.il.us.

For specific questions concerning, consultation on testing, notifications, treatment resources, training, confidentiality and practice issues regarding HIV and AIDS, please contact the DCFS AIDS Project in the Division of Clinical Services at 312/328-2284 and
312/328-2285 or through Outlook at Emonk@idcfs.state.il.us.

V. FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Staff shall file this Policy Guide immediately following white pages Rules 309.110 Preparation and Training of Adoptive Families.