Wave 13 (2020) Summary Report for Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study for Indigenous Children (LSIC)

Abstract

Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) is the only Australian longitudinal child cohort study on the developmental outcomes of Indigenous children. The study follows two cohorts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian children who were 6 months–2 years old (younger cohort) and 3.5–5 years old (older cohort) when the study began in 2008. Footprints in Time collects data annually on a wide range of topics to build a comprehensive data resource that helps answer such questions and provides an evidence base for developing policies and programs that improve life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This report unveils the key findings from Wave 13 (2020). The report delves into the perspectives of the Study Youth regarding the attributes necessary to 'grow up strong' and their awareness and comprehension of key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues, such as Reconciliation, Constitutional Recognition and Native Title. Moreover, it offers comprehensive cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of the factors influencing the wellbeing, educational participation, and work aspirations of the Study Youth. Additionally, the report sheds light on the consequences of the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on the Study Youth, their families, and communities.