In 1996 a structured questionnaire, relating to services provided, was
completed by 12 agencies providing support to families with HIV in Lo
ndon. A wide range of information, practical and therapeutic services
were available from these agencies but these usually had a primary foc
us on supporting the adults in these families. Only one agency had bee
n set up specifically to offer a direct service for children within th
eir own home or community. Services for children within most agencies
consisted of organized child care or social activities. often provided
to enable parents to access other services at the centre. Concern was
frequently expressed that the normal and emotional needs, especially
of older children, were not being met. Many children attending events
at these agencies were unaware of the diagnosis or the reasons for att
ending these centres. Implications are discussed on how future develop
ment of services in the voluntary and statutory sector will need to ad
dress the specific and changing needs of infected and affected childre
n.