JP’s story – Artwork by Monann De Jong

JP was 10 when she was detained in the United Kingdom. She had arrived from Africa with her mother at the age of four, after fleeing domestic violence.

In the UK, JP thrived. She was a bright and popular student, known for her ability and curiosity. But years later, their lives were upended when immigration officers carried out a dawn raid at their home. JP and her mother were taken to Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre.

In detention, JP witnessed violence against her mother and other detainees. Two attempts were made to deport her and her mother, but they were halted because of the extreme distress JP was experiencing.

JP was then released and lived with a relative, while her mother was detained again. A psychotherapist assessed JP and found she was suffering from post-traumatic stress, warning that another period in detention could cause a serious deterioration in her mental health.

Despite this, JP was detained again, and within days she attempted to end her life. She was later assessed as suffering from depression, anxiety and PTSD. Experts found that the trauma she had experienced had deeply affected her development and sense of self.

JP’s case exposes the profound and lasting harm that immigration detention inflicts on children and the failure of systems meant to protect them.