Diane Abbott (Hackney North & Stoke Newington, Labour) | Hansard source

 

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to help children in immigration removal centres who are suffering from (a) post-traumatic stress disorder, (b) self-harming, (c) suicide attempts, (d) depression and (e) psychological trauma as a result of torture; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne (Minister of State, Home Office) | Hansard source

All those held in immigration removal centres must have available to them the same range and quality of service as the general public receives from the national health service. Where necessary, removal centre healthcare teams will refer detainees to specialists, including counsellors.

Detainees are medically screened within two hours of their arrival at a removal centre and this includes an assessment for risk of self-harm or suicidal behaviour. Where there is concern that a person presents such a risk, measures are triggered to ensure that the person concerned receives appropriate care. Part of that care will involve the need to monitor and engage with the person concerned. This applies to both adults and children.