For the article published in Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal, a team of paediatricians and clinical psychologists examined the mental and physical health of 24 children detained at Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre.
The study, which is the first of its kind in the UK, revealed that of 11 children aged between three and 11, all had developed symptoms of depression and anxiety since being detained and eight had developed severe emotional and behavioural problems despite never requiring the support of a mental health professional before.
Report author Dr Ann Lorek, a consultant paediatrician at the Mary Sheridan Centre for Child Health, said: "Our study contains evidence that children in detention have worsening physical and mental health, and express worrying levels of trauma and sickness, despite well intentioned staff.
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