Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) Social and Emotional Wellbeing Summary Report

Abstract

The Centre for Indigenous Policy Research at POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research, the Australian National University was commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services (DSS) to deliver a Report which analyses the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Youth (the Research Report), as recorded in Footprints in Time: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC). This Summary Report, which sets out the high-level methods, findings, and implications of the analysis of LSIC data in relation to the SEWB of LSIC Study Children/Youth, is part of a suite of materials that accompany the Research Report, which also includes a series of Factsheets, describing our analysis and findings. This Summary Report outlines the high-level methods, findings, research and policy implications of our analysis. Comprehensive and detailed descriptions and analysis can be found in the Research Report, which comprises six sections: the conceptual model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SEWB; Fitting the Gee et al (2014) framework for SEWB to LSIC data, using structural equation modelling; Culture as a determinant of SEWB for LSIC Study Children; longitudinal analysis of the factors associated with SEWB for LSIC children; self-harm and suicidal behaviours among LSIC youth; and trajectories of SEWB and related outcomes.