The Forgotten Children
In 1986, Joy and Jim Jenkins began their quest to adopt. Three years later, on October 6, 1989, they celebrated the adoption of their first child, James Michael... the first AIDS adoption in Arizona. It marked the beginning of a home-based project that was to become the internationally known Children With AIDS Project of America.
Finding their mission
When the story of their first adoption hit the news, the couple was inundated with letters from around the world - from agencies trying to place abandoned babies with AIDS, and from people eager to adopt AIDS children. With knowledge gained during their own adoption process, and with help from others in the special needs adoption field like the DeBolts of Adopt A Special Kid, Joy and Jim Jenkins found their calling.
They saw a tremendous gap between the children and potential families, and they began to compile a database of names on both sides of the equation: available children and loving families; then started a process of referring one to the other through agencies, attorneys, churches, and other organizations. Donated computer and office equipment, corporate sponsorship, and charitable donations continue to help this remarkable couple maintain the momentum and growth of their efforts to help those whom they call the "forgotten children."
Who are HIV children?
Between 20% and 40% of children born to HIV-infected mothers are themselves infected with HIV. Antibodies passively transferred to the child during pregnancy can appear as HIV infection in test results for as long as 12-15 months, even though the child may not be truly HIV-positive. (This was the case with the Jenkins' son, who tested positive as an infant, but as he grew older, his results turned negative.)
In the case of infants who are perinatally infected, as many as 50% will die before their second birthdays. A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test which looks for the DNA of the virus, can differentiate between infants with maternal antibodies and those who are truly infected. When used, results have shown to be 90% accurate when the baby is 4 weeks old, and 99% accurate at 6 months; however, this test may not be widely available.
Number of AIDS orphans is rising dramatically
Children who lose their parents to AIDS have been named "AIDS orphans" by the press. It is estimated that the number of these children in the US will reach somewhere between 80,000 - 125,000 by the year 2000. While parents with AIDS are encouraged to make care plans for their children, many do not, can not, or have not, and a large percentage of these children will end up in an already overburdened public welfare system.
Forgotten no more
One adoption back in 1989 has grown into hope for the children, and hope for the system. The CWA database now numbers over 1,000 waiting families - from all states and three foreign countries. The organization's work has resulted in the placement of many children in permanent and foster homes, and an increased awareness of the needs of HIV children and AIDS orphans.
Today, the Children With AIDS Project of America is a national publicly supported non-profit organization (501c3) and has moved into offices in Phoenix, where Jim mans the computers.
In addition to its primary services of referring families to children and children to families, CWA services include AIDS advocacy and education, speaking engagements, and networking with support groups.
For more information
The Children With AIDS Project of America offers books, tapes, pamphlets, and information packets for those interested in adopting, becoming foster parents, or providing respite care. Information is also available on speaking engagements, advocacy, and other issues surrounding adoption.
Visit their Web site, or email Jim Jenkins at .
More
•Adopting a Waiting Child
•Adopting Parents Center
•Becoming a Foster Parent
•Special Needs Adoption
•Children With AIDS Project
•World AIDS Day
Additional Resources
•AIDS Orphan Project - IAVAAN
•National Pediatric AIDS Network (NPAN)
•Women Alive - The Body: An AIDS and HIV Information Resource
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