Unlimited Detention Poses Lifelong Negative Consequences for Children – and for All of Us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2019

Unlimited Detention Poses Lifelong Negative Consequences for Children – and for All of Us

Richmond, VA – ChildFund is saddened and deeply concerned by the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to terminate the Flores Agreement, which limits the detention of immigrant children to 20 days. We know that detention is physically, mentally and emotionally harmful to children, youth and families, and that the trauma of unlimited detention risks lifelong negative health and development consequences for them. This policy change fails to acknowledge the fact that harm to children harms all of us, including the children’s present and future families, whether in their origin countries or in the U.S.; including those enforcing the rules as well as those fighting to protect children’s well-being; and including the general public, in eroding our shared values by normalizing the inhumane treatment of children yet again.

Show your support for immigrant children and families by contacting your member of Congress with your concerns about DHS’ decision to end the Flores Agreement protections. You can connect to your member’s office via the House of Representatives switchboard at 202-2253121 or the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121.

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ChildFund International works throughout Asia, Africa and the Americas — including the United States – to create lasting, positive change for children. Our programs address the underlying conditions that prevent any child or youth from achieving their full potential. Last year, we reached 10.5 million children and family members. Approximately 200,000 Americans support our work by sponsoring individual children or investing in ChildFund programs. Find out more at www.ChildFund.org.