The FACES Model of Care

The FACES family model of care focuses on identifying and enrolling all HIV infected family members and to retain and support them in care.

The model includes:

Encouraging HIV testing of partners and children
Assisting with disclosure to both adults and children
Joint family clinic appointments
Weekly staff team meetings to discuss the needs of particular patients and how families can be involved in care
Support groups for families and for HIV-positive pregnant women and their husbands
Encouraging family members to attend education sessions and clinic appointments
Encouraging family members as treatment buddies for patients on anti-retrovirals (ARVs)
A system to address on-going needs such as home-based care, nutritional support, and economic support (including school fees) through referrals to collaborating community-based organizations

FACES is currently initiating:

A "Kids Club" for children who are HIV infected and their siblings
A "Family Empowerment" education curriculum designed to strengthen family support systems to improve the well being of patients.