Pacific youth offending within an Australian context

Despite being 1.3 per cent of the total Australian population, Pacific communities are overrepresented in the youth justice system. This article identifies trends in the interaction Pacific young offenders have with Police, Children's Court and Juvenile Justice in New South Wales. Key findings were mapped through comparisons between 100 young offenders, 49 Pacific, 51 Non-Pacific. Results include Pacific youth feeling vilified by Police, more time in courts and having issues in complying with supervision requirements under Juvenile Justice. A need to promote culturally inclusive whole-of-community and whole-of-government approach is discussed in achieving better responses to assist Pacific youth and their families.