Dr. Susan Letteney Assistant Professor Department of Social Sciences Social Work Program AC–3A06 (718) 262-2614 letteney@york.cuny.edu

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Research Interests Background The global HIV/AIDS pandemic has devastated men, women, and children, their extended families and communities. In the US, the advent of current medical treatments has slowed the progression of HIV to AIDS. As a result, HIV-infected individuals are now living longer lives. HIV-infected parents must now consider plans for the continuous care of their children during their hospitalizations, or for respite during times when their physical or emotional health may be compromised. Recent studies have shown that one of the many factors that present obstacles to the future planning of children is disclosure of HIV infection. Infected individuals choose not to disclose their status due to fear of stigmatization, rejection from families and community, social isolation, and violence. However, disclosure of HIV serostatus within families is a critical first –step in sound planning for continuous care of children. My Focus The focus of my research lies in the area of HIV/AIDS and the disclosure of serostatus within HIV affected families. Two research studies are currently funded: 1) The influence of social support and mood on HIV disclosure within families, and 2) An exploratory study of social worker’s training needs concerning continuous care and custody of children. These studies will document key variables associated with the parental disclosure of HIV status, and identify the training needs of social workers serving individuals and families affected by the HIV disease.

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