AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022
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19th October 2001
Philip Ruddock, MP
Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Suite MF 40
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Minister Ruddock,
RE: Mental
Health needs of asylum seekers detained in Australia
The Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd (AICAFMHA) would like to commend to you the position statement of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists position statement (#46) titled Principles On The Provision of Mental Health Services to Asylum Seekers available online at http://www.ranzcp.org/statements/ps/ps46.htm .
The AICAFMHA also fully endorses and supports the statements made in the joint media release of the Paediatric & Child Health Division of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), and the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and believes that "all children in Australia, regardless of circumstance, are entitled to live in a safe and free environment (in accordance with the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child)". The media release can be viewed at http://www.aicafmha.net.au/enews/asylum_01.htm .
The AICAFMHA website hosts and email discussion list with over 300 members who have recently been voicing support for action to ensure that the mental health needs of these children and families are adequately and appropriately met.
The AICAFMHA strongly encourages the Government of Australia to consider the mental health needs of these asylum seekers and take the appropriate steps to ensure that resources are made available to meet these needs.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Philip Robinson
Chair
AICAFMHA Board of Directors
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