Young maternal age has been shown to be a significant risk factor for children’s engagement with child protection systems. This is just one of many factors that have the potential to increase the vulnerability of children. Other parental risk factors include involvement with the justice system, mental health, alcohol and other drug use, and domestic and family violence.

This Evidence to Action Note reports findings from analysis of Department of Communities and Justice (NSW) child protection data looking at the relationship between maternal age and child protection contact and discuss implications for policy and practice.