Footprints in Time - The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC), aims to improve the understanding of, and policy response to, the diverse circumstances faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their families and communities.
The study collects important information about the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, covering areas including:
- the children—their physical and mental health, how they develop socially and cognitively, their place in their family and community, and significant events in their life
- the children’s families—their health, work, lifestyle, and family and community connectedness
- the children’s communities—facilities, services, and social and community issues
- services—child care, education, health and other services used by the child and the child’s family.
The study is designed to determine how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children develop resilience, what helps to improve their wellbeing and future, and to recognise links between early childhood experiences and later life outcomes.
What is the purpose of the study?
The main objective of the study is to provide high quality quantitative data that can be used to provide a better insight into how a child’s early years affect their development. It is hoped that this information can be drawn upon to help close the gap in life circumstances between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
Footprints in Time will provide information that can be drawn on by:
- Australian governments
- researchers
- service providers
- parents
- communities.
What are the research questions guiding the study?
- What do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children need to have the best start in life to grow up strong?
- What helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to stay on track or get them back on track to become healthier, more positive and strong?
- How are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children raised?
- What is the importance of family, extended family and community in the early years of life and when growing up?
Also of interest is the role that service use and support plays in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children:
- How can services and other types of support make a difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children?
The data will provide information for individuals, families, communities, service providers, researchers and governments to design and implement culturally appropriate policies and programs that will assist with improving outcomes for Indigenous children.
The research questions were formulated under the guidance of the LSIC Steering Committee, who also provides advice in the following areas:
- the research model design and implementation
- community engagement processes and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and peoples
- ensuring ethical and cultural protocols are adhered to in the study
- data analysis, interpretation and reporting
- use of the data collected in the study by governments, researchers and communities in improving policy and service delivery issues.
Who is undertaking the study?
Interviews are primarily conducted by FaHCSIA-employed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Administration Officers. Interviews are also conducted by other National Office Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff. The information collected is the property of FaHCSIA.
First findings and key summary report
The parents and carers of two groups of children, mostly aged between 6 to 18 months and 3½ - 4½ years in Wave 1, were interviewed. With parental or guardian permission, questionnaires were also given to each child's teacher or childcare provider to complete. These same children and their carers will be interviewed each year to measure their progress.
Over 1,680 interviews were conducted with a parent or primary carer of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child, usually the mother, and over 265 interviews were conducted with fathers or other significant carers.
Finding our feet - First findings from Footprints in Time
This booklet provides a summary of some of the material collected in the first year.
Key Summary Report from Wave 1
Highlights from Wave 1: Family life, Growing up strong, Learning and doing, and Strong souls and safe communities
How do I access Wave 1 data and information from the study?
The data collection for Wave 1 began in April 2008 and finished in February 2009.
Data for Wave 1 is now available to approved researchers. Prospective users will be required to complete a dataset application form and sign a deed of licence.
Questions regarding these documents can be directed to lsicdata@fahcsia.gov.au.
A nominal fee will be charged to cover administrative costs of delivering datasets ($330 for organisations, $77 for Australian users, $121 AUD for overseas users).
Copies of the Wave 1 Parent 1 and Study Child questionnaires are available.
Wave 2 data collection
Wave 2 data collection commenced in March 2009 and is expected to conclude in November 2009. Wave 2 asks questions about starting school for the older cohort and re-visits a number of areas covered in Wave 1, including social and emotional wellbeing, major life events, child vocabulary, child health and development, and housing issues
The Vision for 2010
Wave 3 data collection will start in March 2010. Wave 3 focuses on the school experience for the older cohort and re-visits a number of areas covered in Waves 1 and 2, including social and emotional wellbeing, major life events, child vocabulary, language, child health, behaviour and development, and housing issues.