Child protection inequalities for Pasifika children in Aotearoa New Zealand: diverse realities

Child protection inequalities are population group differences in contact rates, experiences and outcomes of child systems. This article reports rates Pasifika children’s with the statutory system at three outcomes: substantiation, having a family conference, (FGC) or entering care (placement), describes intersections between these socio-economic deprivation. Including all children resident Aotearoa New Zealand 2019–2020 aged 0–17 years, this study compared sole Pasifika, plus other ethnicities (Pasifika+), Non-Māori, Non-Pasifika (NMNP) children. Substantiation was twice as likely for even after controlling sociodemographic factors, were 25% more to enter than NMNP As deprivation increased, substantiation increased groups, but most sharply Pasifika+ Sole had highest rate FGCs least deprived quintile deprivation, lowest FGC placement areas double high-deprivation areas, equal rate. Findings analysed via theories inequalities. Aggregated ethnic categories obscure considerable variation within-group experiences.