Invitation to the conference

One of the great challenges for Australia is to identify and understand the myriad of factors that influence our children’s development and to put into place the measures that can improve outcomes for future generations.

On the 3rd and 4th of December 2009 researchers and policy makers will have an ideal opportunity to discuss research and policy initiatives that have resulted from the use of data from Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC).

Since 2004, Growing Up in Australia 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 and for early intervention and prevention strategies. 

By tracking children over time, Growing Up in Australia enables researchers to determine critical periods for the provision of services and welfare support, and to identify the long-term consequences of policy innovations.

The 2nd LSAC Research Conference is a unique opportunity to take part in discussion of research based on LSAC data.  Whether you use LSAC data or are interested in longitudinal studies more generally, this conference is the ideal opportunity to share knowledge with your peers and improve the research potential of this dataset.

The Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs initiated and fund the Growing Up in Australia study and have provided funding for this conference.

Buoyed by the success of the 1st LSAC Conference in 2007, I look forward to a stimulating event this year. I hope that you are able to join me.

Alan Hayes
Director
Australian Institute of Family Studies

 

Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children was initiated and funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. The study is being undertaken in partnership with the Australian Institute of Family Studies and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

For further information on LSAC explore the Growing Up in Australia website: www.aifs.gov.au/growingup