Lay summary
Research has shown that youth offenders have higher rates of mental health disorders than the general youth population. However, a large knowledge gap exists regarding the mental health and wellbeing of Pasifika youth offenders in Aotearoa and overseas. A mixed methods pilot observational study is proposed to explore the mental health of Pasifika youth offenders drawing on the principles of the talanoa methodology and grounded in the dimensions of the Fonofale model relating to physical and mental health; culture and spirituality. This study will examine whether these dimensions have any impact on mental health and will explore the extent to which mental health may be related to recidivism. The outcomes will inform the community including the Ministries of Health, Education and Justice at a policy level, as well as therapeutic/rehabilitation programmes in providing a targeted approach to reducing mental health disorders among high-risk Pasifika youth.
This grant was awarded to Auckland University of Technology but was later transfered to Massey University.