Does Ethnicity Affect Need for Mental Health Service Among New Zealand Prisoners?

Abstract

Criminogenic factors present in the developmental histories of prisoners might also increase the risk of mental disorders. Ethnic groups were not different in the rate at which they manifest mental disorders in the face of such factors. Younger prisoners were disproportionately more likely to be of Maori or Pacific Island ethnicity. Both prior to and after entry to prison, services must improve responsiveness to Maori and Pacific Island people.