SUMMARY.Over the past year, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has gripped the public imagination and challenged both individuals and the ‘caring’ professions in terms of prevention and treatment. This article addresses some specific issues relating to children and our need to perceive AIDS as a legitimate concern for child health, education and social services in partnership with the voluntary sector and individual families. The author looks at caring for children with AIDS, the implications for those agencies and families and the need for accurate and honest health education for chil