Separating Families and Creating Trauma at the Texas-Mexico border

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Harold S. Koplewicz states regarding the situation at the border between Mexico and the USA that: "What we are witnessing is the widespread traumatization of children of all ages."  In an article, he explains the devasting consequences for the life of the children who were and still are being separated from their parents at the border.

Being taken from their parents and placed into uncertain circumstances is a traumatic experience that will stay with these children for the rest of their lives. Research into the life course of children who have been separated from parents (Kindertransports at the beginning of World War II) or subjected to adverse conditions (Romanian orphans) shows that early trauma can seriously affect development, from learning and behaviour to a child’s ability to function socially in the world. In infants, toddlers and preschoolers, forced separation is almost worse than physical harm.

The article is published on the website of the Child Mind Institute, which is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. The institute is dedicated to advance the science of the developing brain and empower parents, professionals and policymakers to support children when and where they need it most.

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Learn more about the situation at the border: Trauma at the Texas-Mexico Border: Families Separated, Children Detained & Residents Fighting Back