This Policy Brief explores the evidence regarding improving access to services for marginalised and vulnerable families with young children, and how families can best be engaged and supported.

Why is this issue important?

While most families of young children are well supported socially and make good use of services, some do not (Carbone et al., 2004; Moran & Ghate, 2005; Winkworth et al., 2009, 2010). Children from families who have poor social supports and make limited or no use of community support services are at increased risk of poor health and developmental outcomes