(June 25, 2012 - Phoenix, AZ) The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP) recommends that if undocumented parents are separated from their children (U.S. born or undocumented) they must have a plan in place that includes access to medical and behavioral health care. While the U.S. Supreme Court struck down most of Arizona's SB 1070, AzAAP remains concerned over the remaining elements of the bill that can continue to impact the health and well-being of children if adults are detained and/or deported.

The Chapter suggests the following for parents:

1. Obtain power of attorney for someone to care for their children if they are deported.
2. Provide critical steps to ensure their child/children are cared for, including phone calls to attorneys, guardians and others on behalf of the child or children.
3. Maintain copies of medical records, including immunization history, to facilitate the care of their children in the event of separation.

The Chapter also suggests that any law enforcement procedures should take into consideration the impact on the child - both physically and mentally. Protocols should be in place to assure that anyone arrested is asked if they have children and if so be allowed to make arrangements for these children prior to detention.

"The mission of pediatric care is to promote and monitor the physical, mental and behavioral health of children at every stage of development," according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Members of the AzAAP have seen firsthand the impact of parent-child separation and remain concerned over the possibilities that remain.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was seen in children separated from family during Hurricane Katrina. Studies show that young children not only exhibit symptoms of PTSD and depression that are similar to adults, but may react more strongly to trauma. This includes children in drop houses, who are smuggled, kidnapped or used by "coyotes" or as their parents are subjected to this treatment. "Not only do children face increased vulnerability to their immediate physical well-being, but childhood development is often compromised with serious risks for long term growth and survival," according to Defining Best Practice in Care and Protection of Children in Crisis-Affected Settings: A Delphi Study. Any immigration enforcement acts should have protocols such as allowing parents to make calls to an attorney, legal guardian, care-taker, physician and/or welfare agencies according to the "Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections for Separated Children Act," a bill introduced to the U.S. Congress in 2010.

If Arizona's foster care system becomes the means to care for children that are suddenly left without one or both parents due to deportation, the cost per child per month is $1,450 for medical and behavioral health alone, according to Arizona Department of Health Services and the Division of Behavioral Health Services.

For comment, the following Arizona pediatricians and leadership of the board of the Arizona Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics are available:

• Dr. Arturo Gonzalez M.D., FAAP, Board chair, Scottsdale Pediatrician, (480) 694-9525
• Dr. Dale Guthrie M.D., FAAP, Board chair-elect (Effective July), East Valley Pediatrician, (480) 892-3880
• Dr. Delphis Richardson M.D., FAAP, Board vice president, Tempe Pediatrician,
  (480) 695-6251
• Dr. Mary Ellen Rimsza M.D., FAAP, Board member and chairman of Advocacy Committee, Tucson Pediatrician, (520) 743-3650 or (602) 738-3623

• Dr. Robert Cannell M.D., FAAP, Board member, Yuma Pediatrician, (928) 344-4800 or
  (928) 210-2480

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