This research summary presents key findings from the exploratory analyses of data from Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) and Medicare from 2008–16. We investigated children’s use of health care services, the use of health and support services of children at elevated risk of developing social-emotional problems, and children’s unmet service needs. 

Identifying the characteristics of children and families who are less likely to access services is an important step towards enhancing the provision of appropriate health care among Australians who need it. 

This research was commissioned by Emerging Minds: The National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health.