Several policies and programs cover health and wellbeing in early childhood. The National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan provides a framework for improving access to mental health services and early intervention (Department of Health, Australian Government, 2021). The National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2021-2031 focuses mainly on any preventive measures in relation to support for children considered at risk of being abused or neglected (Department of Social Services, 2021).
One of the platforms for the delivery of mental health and wellbeing resources to early learning services and schools is Be You, coordinated by Beyond Blue (Beyond Blue, 2022). Child protection and family violence systems are informed by state‑based legislation and strategies, like Victoria's Free from Violence Plan for example (Victorian Government, 2017).
There are still service gaps despite these frameworks in relation to culturally appropriate support for First Nations families, as well as those involving the mental health needs of parents alongside their children (Dudgeon et al., 2014).