Children Separated From Their Parents at the Border Show Signs of Trauma

Dr. Mitchell Katz, CEO of NYC Health & Hospitals, said at least a dozen children separated from their parents at the border have been brought to the city's public hospitals for treatment. Eight children came to North Central Bronx Hospital, and four to Bellevue. Katz said they have come with their government-appointed guardians who, though well-intentioned, have no knowledge of the children's medical history. "We have seen children as young as five and have treated teenagers who have presented with signs of anxiety, trauma and stress-related illness," he said. 

Dr. Ruth Gerson, Director of the Children’s Psychiatric Emergency Program at Bellevue, said some of the situations have been dire. At least one child was suicidal. Others have been injuring themselves. "We have seen children who look like they’re having psychotic symptoms, hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there," she said. "And when we’ve assessed them we learned those are actually nightmares or flashbacks" related to the separation from their parents.

Gerson said even highly trained psychiatrists are limited in what they can do in these cases. "What’s complicated is we’re so far away from their families and getting good treatment really should be about giving them treatment within the context of putting their family back together," she said. In many of these cases, she added, the trauma is ongoing. 

Dr. Daran Kaufman, Director of Pediatric Emergency Services at North Central Bronx Hospital, said the situation has made her and her colleagues feel helpless. "[The children] are sad, despondent, and we are unable to treat the emotional scars they’re presenting with," she said. "It’s very difficult for myself and for my clinicians to help them with these scars."