One of the great challenges for Australia is to identify and understand the myriad of factors that influence children’s development and to put into place measures that can improve outcomes for future generations.
On the 15th and 16th of November 2011 researchers and policy makers will have the opportunity to discuss research using data from Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) and Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC).
Since 2004, LSAC has examined the impact of Australia's unique social and cultural environment on the next generation. The study is designed to identify policy opportunities for improving support for children and their families. In 2003-2004, the first cohort of 5000 children was aged 0-1 years and the second cohort of 5000 children was aged 4-5 years. Information, collected from the study child, parents (both resident and non-resident), carers and teachers, includes details of the children’s physical health and social, cognitive and emotional development, as well as their experiences in key environments such as the family, community, child care, pre-school and school settings.