Approaching pediatric mental health screening and care in immigration detention

IF 7 Q1 HEALTH CARE SCIENCES & SERVICES

Lancet Regional Health-Americas Pub Date : 2025-03-01 DOI:10.1016/j.lana.2025.100999

Shela Sridhar , Leah Ratner , Matthew G. Gartland , Dennis Kunichoff , Margaret M. Sullivan , Vasileia Digidiki

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Children held in US immigration detention facilities often arrive with significant mental health conditions requiring prompt attention. Despite the abundance of literature highlighting the need for adequate mental health care in migrant children, there is a chasm between the care offered to detained migrant children in the US and the minimum standards of healthcare in the US. This discrepancy is fueled by the mandate of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which prioritizes immigration enforcement rather than the health and well-being of detained children. The tension between the existing ICE's enforcement mandate and the internationally recognized right to health care for children results in inadequate mental health care, causing long-term harm. We highlight current pediatric mental health screening and treatment practices in immigration detention facilities, exploring the role of ICE and child protection frameworks. We conclude by providing policy recommendations to improve mental health care in US-based detention facilities.

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被关押在美国移民拘留设施中的儿童在到达时往往患有严重的精神疾病，需要及时治疗。尽管有大量文献强调需要为移民儿童提供充分的心理保健，但在美国，为被拘留移民儿童提供的保健服务与美国的最低医疗保健标准之间存在差距。移民及海关执法局（ICE）的任务规定助长了这种差距，该局优先考虑的是移民执法，而不是被拘留儿童的健康和福祉。移民及海关执法局现有的执法任务与国际公认的儿童医疗保健权利之间的矛盾，导致心理健康护理不足，造成长期伤害。我们强调了移民拘留设施中当前的儿科心理健康筛查和治疗做法，探讨了移民及海关执法局和儿童保护框架的作用。最后，我们提出政策建议，以改善美国拘留设施中的心理健康护理。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Lancet Regional Health-Americas Multiple-

CiteScore

8.00

自引率

0.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, an open-access journal, contributes to The Lancet's global initiative by focusing on health-care quality and access in the Americas. It aims to advance clinical practice and health policy in the region, promoting better health outcomes. The journal publishes high-quality original research advocating change or shedding light on clinical practice and health policy. It welcomes submissions on various regional health topics, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, child and adolescent health, maternal and reproductive health, emergency care, health policy, and health equity.