There is much science that adversity impacts the way the brains of children develop, and can lead to ongoing cognitive inhibitions throughout life, robbing the child of the opportunity to reach their potential.
This policy brief was developed on the cusp of the COVID-19 crisis and in the wake of drought, flood, and fire disasters. These have increased disruption for children, young people, and their families, magnified the existing inequalities faced by Australian families, and, therefore, made the need to act on and further develop the science in this policy brief more urgent.
Therefore the time has never been more important to find ways to apply the evidence to the daily lives of children and their families.