Table 1.

Description of the Four-Phase Model (FPM)

Phases	Behavioral patterns or needs of
	HIV-positive parents	Professionals
Secrecy phase	feel shock, loneliness, isolation identify trusted adults to disclose their HIV status professionals may be the only people with whom they can share feelings	respect and meet parents’ need for confidentiality create a trusting and safe environment for parents to discuss parental decisions
Exploratory phase	search parent support groups to explore feelings about disclosure to children. consider talking with children about clinic visits and treatment or offering some explanations about their health conditions.	recognize that it is parents who make final decision of disclosing to children(when and how) honestly express their opinions to provide different perspectives
Readiness phase	move closer to disclosing the diagnosis to their children begin to plan disclosure and discuss strategies of disclosure with professionals, trusted adults and support groups.	collaborate with parents in planning disclosure mutual respect for knowledge and skills of both parents and professionals
Disclosure phase	disclose their HIV status to children following a specific plan and with or without presence of professionals