This literature review provided a summary of key texts addressing severe and multiple disadvantage, which at the time (2012) was starting to gain attention in policy and service delivery circles.

It tracks an emerging appreciation of the distinct challenges experienced by people who face SMD, and makes recommendations for further research. The review highlights attempts to define the issue politically; provide data on the scope and scale of SMD (which was expanded on in the subsequent Hard Edges report); and make recommendations for service delivery and government policy.