Medical-legal partnerships: a new beginning to help Australian children in need.

Drawing on the strengths of both the medical and legal professions can reduce health inequities and preventable illnesses in children from vulnerable families. In response to frequent reports on high-risk injuries and illnesses in children from disadvantaged and isolated communities, the possibility of a multidisciplinary partnership, currently used throughout the United States of America, is explored. Given the limitations of each discipline on their own, the concept of medical-legal partnerships presents an innovative and strategic approach towards caring for Australia's most vulnerable. The development of this partnership will encourage and empower such groups to access fundamental legal and medical resources. The benefits and obstacles of such a partnership, together with social, economic and health data, are examined to reveal the urgent need to adopt a more meaningful approach towards family and paediatric health care. Finally, some of Australia's existing laws and practices are considered and brief recommendations are provided to initiate a proactive solution for the future.