Growing Up in Australia, The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children - Early data

Abstract

Growing Up in Australia is the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children funded by the Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services. It is being undertaken by a consortium of research organisations led by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS). The study aims to inform social policy debate and identify opportunities for early intervention and prevention strategies for children. The wealth of data collected includes information on multiple aspects of children's development (social, emotional, intellectual and physical) and their social environment (home, child care, pre-school and school). Given its large scale, longitudinal structure and considerable breadth, it will be a unique opportunity to shed light on many critical issues concerning children's development in the current social, economic and political context. This presentation will cover the information presented in the policy analysis report to be released along with Wave 1 data in April 2005 and will be of interest to the general public, all potential LSAC data users and policy makers. A description of the responding sample will be presented, as well as general demographic information and findings on more specific key areas of interest including health, education, child care, social and economic participation and barriers to participation, family income, parenting, family functioning and non-resident parents. For each of these areas of interest, preliminary key data will be presented along with comment on policy implications.