Footprints in Time—Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children

A landmark study, Footprints in Time—Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children, will track the long‑term development of 2,200 Indigenous children from communities across Australia. Beginning in April 2008 and led by Professor Mick Dodson, the study will give researchers the capacity to look in depth at the early childhood experiences of Indigenous children and how these experiences influence their future.

The study will provide policy-makers with a completely new evidence base to improve the design and delivery of program and policy interventions for Indigenous children in the early years. Collecting data from 2,200 children, starting with two age groups (6–18 months and three and a half to four and a half years), the study will trace how their circumstances change over at least four years. The study will include children living in diverse locations across Australia, including both rural and metropolitan towns.
It will cover such things as the structure of households and who lives there, child health and nutrition, major life events, how family members interact with children, and the social conditions in which they live.

Designed in consultation with Indigenous stakeholders, including individuals and communities, academics, health professionals and community service providers, the study is a key part of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Early Childhood package to close the gap between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous Australians.