This study into the benefits and opportunities from ‘early intervention’ calls for an overhaul of government policies to ensure at-risk children receive vital support services at a much earlier stage.

Effective prevention and early intervention is possibly the most promising strategy for changing the trajectories of children. There is clear evidence that children’s life chances are influenced by their families and communities and that they are able to be changed for the better. Improving the wellbeing of children, young people and families at population-level requires...