Australian and New Zealand journal of public health
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Aust N Z J Public Health · Dec 2004
Comparative StudyThe health of children in immigration detention: how does Australia compare?
We live in an age when the number of refugees worldwide is increasing. All of them have suffered physically or emotionally to a varying degree in their country of origin. The transit to a country of resettlement is fraught with further difficulties or the risk of death. ⋯ In particular, the different approaches to health care for children and their families are identified. The management of these issues by Denmark and Iceland would appear to be a model to follow. Outcomes of the different managements have not been assessed.
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Aust N Z J Public Health · Dec 2004
Comparative StudyCharacteristics of non-fatal opioid overdoses attended by ambulance services in Australia.
To examine the feasibility of establishing a database on non-fatal opioid overdose in order to examine patterns and characteristics of these overdoses across Australia. ⋯ It is feasible to establish a database of comparable data on non-fatal opioid overdoses attended by ambulances in Australia. This compilation represents a useful adjunct to existing surveillance systems on heroin (and other opioid) use and related harms.
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Aust N Z J Public Health · Dec 2004
Psychiatric status of asylum seeker families held for a protracted period in a remote detention centre in Australia.
To document the psychiatric status of a near complete sample of children and their families from one ethnic group held for an extended period of time in a remote immigration detention facility in Australia. ⋯ The level of exposure to violence and the high level of mental illness identified among detained families provides a warning to policy makers about the potentially damaging effects of prolonged detention on asylum seekers. In their attempt to manage the international asylum crisis, it is important that Western countries do not inadvertently implement policies that cause further harm.
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Aust N Z J Public Health · Dec 2004
Psychiatric assessment of children and families in immigration detention--clinical, administrative and ethical issues.
This paper reports the clinical, practical and ethical issues arising in the assessment of 10 consecutive referrals from a remote Immigration Reception and Processing Centre to a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) between February and August 2002. ⋯ Multiple obstacles to adequate service provision are identified. Adequate clinical intervention and care was not possible. The impact on involved clinicians is discussed.