Local expert on impact of Trump’s family separation policy

By John Krinjak

Email: jkrinjak@abc6.com

Twitter: @johnkrinjakABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — After mounting pressure from both parties, President Trump ending his policy of separating undocumented migrant families.

"I’m sick. I’m absolutely sickened by this," said Adoption Rhode Island CEO Darlene Allen, who has seen first-hand the trauma done to kids who are separated from their parents.

She says when it comes to the psychological impact on the children–including some who are just infants–the damage may already be done.

"These kids have nightmares, they end up having real fears, they have trust issues. The fact that in some of these centers they’re not being hugged, they’re not being touched-those types of things have long term implications regarding children’s development," said Allen.

Even if an effort is made to bring parents and children back together, Allen worries it could be a logistical nightmare, leading to prolonged separations, and, in certain cases, where parents and kids never get reunited.

"These kids will most likely be orphaned and it will be a generational devastating impact," said Allen.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018