Psychiatrists: Children In Detention Can't Wait 12 Months

Issued 10 December 2001
©The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
http://www.ranzcp.org/statements/mr/detention1.htm
Revised: 21 December 2001

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists today reiterated its call for an urgent assessment of the mental and physical health needs of detained asylum-seekers.

"The announcement of an inquiry by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission over the next twelve months is a positive development but children in detention need help now," Dr Louise Newman, Chair of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists said.

"Twelve months in the life of a child is tremendously significant. Without access to appropriate mental and physical health care, the problems experienced in childhood can only magnify in later life. At this point, any delay is unacceptable," Dr Newman said.

"We are particularly concerned about the children, some of whom are born in detention, for their subsequent emotional development and for the effects of detention on the functioning of their families."

Dr Newman said that medical professionals need to seriously consider the ethical implications of accepting a position in the detention centres run by Australasian Correctional Management given the inadequacy of health services available to detained asylum-seekers inside these centres.

"As doctors, we cannot condone a system that is traumatising and damaging to people."

"We are being placed in an extremely compromising position."

"We are certainly not advocating a withdrawal of medical services to detention centres. We are taking this opportunity to draw attention to the seriousness of the situation we face."

For more information please contact:

Dr Louise Newman Chair, Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

Tel: 0418 453 447

©The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
http://www.ranzcp.org/statements/mr/detention1.htm
Revised: 21 December 2001