This study, conducted between 1999 and 2002, set out to explore the experiences of children and young people in Scotland with a parent or carer with HIV. The study had three elements: a postal survey of health and social work agencies, interviews with twenty-eight children and young people and a postal survey of schools. The study found little recognition from statutory agencies of the needs of affected children, whether in health, education or social work. Moreover, the children and young people who took part in the study bore a heavy burden in terms of stigma, family disruption and loss. Nevertheless, their greatest wish was to be seen as 'normal' children with 'normal' parents.