Summary

Large numbers of children in New Zealand suffer from mental health problems, and large numbers of children suffer from poverty and hardship. This literature review provides information on the relationship between poverty experienced during childhood and the impact that poverty may have on the mental health of a child or young person, or later in their adulthood.

The evidence strongly suggests that the incidence of mental health problems throughout the life span could be reduced through addressing the causes of child poverty and associated factors. Any mental health strategy for children should sit along side a comprehensive programme to alleviate poverty.

Strategies aimed at addressing child poverty in Maori and Pasifika communities are more likely to be effective if these are well-resourced at an early stage and developed in a genuine partnership with local communities.

The following questions are addressed in this review of the New Zealand and international literature:

:• What is the prevalence of child poverty?

• What is the prevalence of mental health issues in New Zealand among children and young people?

• What is known about the influence of child poverty on mental health from New Zealand andinternational literature?

Join us as we disscuss the outcomes of this report and what it means for children living in poverty. 

 Speakers 

Mihi whakatau - Professor Angus Hikairo Macfarlane - Angus Hikairo Macfarlane (Ngati Whakaue) is the Kaihautu of the New Zealand Psychological Society. Professor Macfarlane is the Director of Te Ru Rangahau, the Maori Research Laboratory at the University of Canterbury.  His research explores cultural concepts and strategies that influence professional practice.

Chris Farrelly - CEO Auckland City Mission

Quentin Abraham -  Quentin Abraham is the current President of the New Zealand Psychological Society. He works in private as an educational psychologist with 26 years’ experience.

Associate Professor Kerry Gibson - Kerry Gibson is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland.  She is a clinical psychologist and former President of the New Zealand Psychological Society. 

Professor Innes Asher - Innes is a Paediatrician (Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland) and CPAG's children's health spokesperson.  She chairs the Global Asthma Network. In 2017 she was appointed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to their inaugural Expert Panel on Non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

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Light refreshments provided