Reference: 2007-006 - The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) / Common name: Footprints in Time

Researchers: Pam Hunter (Derby Research Administration Officer, Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA)), Dr Melisah Feeney (Project director, FaCSIA), Graham Brice (Ethics and Research, FaCSIA)

Funding: Australian Government through FaCSIA

Project summary: Footprints intends to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in 11 regions across Australia, including Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and the surrounding communities to help better understand what impacts on children’s lives over time and explore how they can be better supported to grow up strong and resilient regardless of location. The study will concentrate on babies (6-18 months) and 3½-4½ year olds. It is overseen by a Steering Committee chaired by Professor Mick Dodson (ANU), and includes Adele Cox of the Kimberley region. The Committee has mandated that Footprints in Time must be designed and conducted so that it has the acceptance and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and of participating families. The key research questions have been developed following consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around Australia, as well as Government departments and service providers, to identify areas where longitudinal research would provide useful information. The key questions are:

  • What do Indigenous children need to have the best start in life to grow up strong?

  • What helps Indigenous children to continue to grow healthy, positive and strong?

  • What is the importance of family, extended family and community in the early years of life and when growing up.

  • What differences are there between how Indigenous children are raised compared to non-Indigenous children.

Communities also have the opportunity to request additional questions be included at the local level. All requests for additional questions go to the LSIC steering committee. This is the first longitudinal study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across Australia. This means that parents/carers will be asked for permission to be re-interviewed at least every year for four years or longer.

Progress: Ongoing