Mental and Physical Health Difficulties of Children Held Within a British Immigration Detention Center: A Pilot Study

• NCJ Number: 228645
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 33 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 573-585
• Author(s): Ann Lorek; Kimberly Ehntholt; Anne Nesbitt; Emmanuel Wey; Chipo Githinji; Eve Rossor; Rush Wichramasinghe
• Date Published: September 2009
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study assessed the mental and physical health of a sample of children held within a British immigration detention center.

Abstract

Study findings indicate that the experience of detention, even for a relatively brief period of time, has a detrimental effect on the mental and physical health of children. The children in this assessment appear to be experiencing high levels of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, somatic complaints, emotional symptoms, and behavioral difficulties since being detained. These findings support those of previous reports that detention is not in the best interest of the child and should not be used for the purposes of immigration control. Current British law allows for families with children subject to immigration control to be detained for indefinite periods of time. The United Kingdom Government's practice of detaining children has increased since 2001. The well-being of children held in United Kingdom immigration detention centers has given cause for concern. Using a sample of 24 children detained in British immigration detention centers, this study assessed both the mental and physical health of these children. Tables and references