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Letter to the Editor: Outcry Needed to Stop Terrorizing Children

As an early childhood education specialist, I am alarmed to learn the policy of our government is to separate children from parents at our Southern border as they attempt to enter our country whether seeking asylum or entering illegally.  Like most Wisconsin parents, I can’t imagine having my child taken from me for any reason. I’ve searched for reasons our government would take this step. Apparently whether people are seeking asylum or are illegal immigrants they are being treated as criminals though they may not have a hearing for some time. In the meantime, children by law are placed in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement in shelters and facilities around the country. Where they are placed depends on where ORR has capacity to place them, whereas a completely different agency, the Department of Homeland Security, is making decisions about where parents will be held in immigration detention(often in private for profit facilities). And so now children may be thousands of miles apart from where their parents are being detained, which, of course, makes everything from establishing communications to working on their legal cases so much more difficult.  I’ve tried to imagine the quality of the experience these kids are having.

The scientific evidence is clear that early life experiences and resulting development shape a person for their lifetime. This “critical period” sets the stage for cascading effects on psychological and biological wellbeing.  We also know parents play a vital role in facilitating the growth and development of their children. Decades of psychological and brain research have demonstrated that forced parental separation and placement in incarceration-like facilities can have profound immediate, long-term, and irreparable harm on infant and child development.

“The secure attachments young children form to their caregivers are the bedrock of healthy development and emotional stability, providing a sense of security and a buffer from the toxic effects of stress and trauma. Migrating to a new country is already stressful. Separating children and caregivers destroys the relationships that foster resilience. Make no mistake; separation at this point is a trauma that can have long-term impacts on an infant’s well-being. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders can follow that will last for a lifetime.”  (Myra Jones-Taylor, chief policy officer, ZERO TO THREE)

During my career, I saw a few children that had been separated early from their caregivers and we struggled to help them form attachments and deal with the ensuing developmental challenges. Optimal early childhood programs often have teachers stay with children in consistent groupings for several years to enhance their security and development. In America, the richest country in the world, we know better than to purposely harm children. An outcry from teachers, parents and grandparents will stop this abhorrent practice.

Even if you have never done it before, please contact Senator Baldwin, Senator Johnson and Representative Gallagher. Tell them this has to stop.

 

Becky Van Houten

Fish Creek, Wis.

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