Coalition of churches calls for release of children from immigration detention (ABC)

A coalition of West Australian churches and not-for-profit groups is calling on the Federal Government to release asylum seekers with very young children from offshore detention into the community.

The group, made up of 11 agencies, is offering to house and support families with infants in the community while their claims are processed.

Acting moderator of the Uniting Church's WA synod, Reverend Ken Williams, says the group is concerned about the psychological damage that continued detention may be causing to children.

Reports of self-harm by detainees on Christmas Island have intensified their campaign.

"We're very concerned about the number of very young children that are in detention and we believe it's no place for newborns and infants," Reverend Williams said.

"We'd like to help to get them out."

The group of churches has written to Immigration Minister Scott Morrison outlining its concerns.

Salvation Army WA leader Major Wayne Pittaway believes the families could be accommodated in the community by church members.

"In generations to come, we don't want to be seen as a society that locked away children and mothers," he said.

"We want them out and we want them to be in our communities.

"We just want to appeal very strongly to our government, that they will listen to us and respond to what we're talking about today."

A spokesperson for Mr Morrison said the proposal would be considered "within the context of government policy".

"While the Government appreciates that such offers are made with good intentions, it is conscious of avoiding policies that could encourage infants or pregnant women being placed on illegal boats for dangerous journeys to Australia," the spokesperson said in a statement.

"About 1,200 people died at sea under the previous government's border protection policies. The Coalition Government is stopping the boats and preventing deaths at sea."

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