Footprints in Time: the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children

Department of Social Services, Longitudinal Studies Sections.

Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. (2009). ‘Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children: Key Summary Report from Wave 1’, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Annual Report, Key Summary Report from Wave 1 – 2009 | Department of Social Services, Australian Government (dss.gov.au)

Thurber, K., Banks, E. & Banwell, C. (2015). Cohort profile: Footprints in Time, the Australian Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. International Journal of Epidemiology, 2015, 789-800 Cohort Profile: Footprints in Time, the Australian Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children | International Journal of Epidemiology | Oxford Academic (oup.com)

Yes, LSIC data is available for research projects that are scientifically and ethically sound and contribute to the knowledge base on Australian children. Researchers (including post-graduate students) affiliated with a university, recognised research institution or government department are eligible to apply to access and use LSIC data. Individuals affiliated with a non-government organisation are also eligible to apply, access and use LSAC data.

The first 13 years of survey data, along with a Data User Guide, marked up questionnaires, frequencies and a Data Dictionary are available via the Australian Data Archive: https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/dataverse/lsic 

The Study brings together people committed to making a positive difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth. The main objective being increased understanding of how a child’s early and middle years affects their development and later lives. This information contributes to research and projects focused on Closing the Gap in life circumstances between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The Indigenous majority LSIC Steering Committee developed and recently updated the key research questions as follows:

Key Research Questions for LSIC: 2020 to 2025

1. What do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people need to grow up strong?

2. What helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people to stay on track or become healthier, more positive and strong?

3. What is the importance of family, extended family and community in adolescence and emerging adulthood?

4. How can services and other types of support make a difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people?

5. How do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people transition into and through adulthood?

6. What does it mean to be a young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander growing up in the 21st century?

With parent or carer consent, LSIC is linked to data from:

• The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).
• Australian Early Development Census – at community level in Wave 2 (2009)
• Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) My School data for LSIC waves 5-13 (2012-2019).

From 2024 consent will be sought from Study Youth to link with Medicare, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Australian Immunisation Register data.

Ethics clearance has been provided by and is sought twice each year from the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Ethics Committee and as required from jurisdictional Aboriginal Ethics Committees.

Data users may also seek ethics clearance from their own institutions in relation to their analyses https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/file.xhtml?fileId=18137&version=1.4