The family situation of 122 children followed at the Necker hospital is analysed in this study: 40% of these children live with both parents, while 22% live with one parent, 10% with their maternal grand mother and 28% are under the care of the Aide Sociale à l'Enfance (Social Services for Children). At this time, less stable family situations and the separation of a child from his mother are not due to the child's HIV status but rather to the social and family context. A better knowledge of these factors is essential to prevent future family separation. Increased awareness and training in this context is urgently needed by the personnel in care of these children as the situation will undoubtedly become even more serious in the next few years.