Indications exist that Australian governmentÕs suicide prevention programs have reduced risk factors, & possibly reduced community male youth suicide rate in the last 3 years. However, these programs stand in contrast regarding mandatory detention of on-shore asylum-seekers. MenÕs and womenÕs suicidal behaviours in immigration detention centres are between 10 & 100 times the national average. This paper argues that the decision by the government to continue its policy of mandatory detention, without review, amounts to state-sponsored trauma & child neglect & abuse. (LC) (40 refs)