This scoping study reviewed policies related to family adversity in Australia (Commonwealth, Victoria and New South Wales) to determine if these policies both support a primary health care system that identifies family adversity (such as childhood maltreatment, or parental mental illness and other potential household dysfunction), and are subsequently able to support these families.

One hundred and eighty-eight policies referenced family adversity. Of these, 37 policies met all eligibility criteria including a focus on early intervention within primary care and were included in the review. Most policies were developed within health departments (78%) and included a wide range of adversities, with the majority based within maternal and child health and CHS platforms. Most policy development included consultation with stakeholders. Although most policies received some level of funding, few included funding details and only a third included evaluation.

There are many policies related to family adversity in Australia, with most focused within existing primary care platforms. Given these policies, Australia should be well positioned to identify and respond to family adversity.

More work needs to be done to ensure policies are adequately implemented, evaluated and transparently and appropriately funded. The co-occurrence of adversity should focus policy action; and potentially lead to more effective and efficient outcomes.