About the WAACHS Linked Data Study
This study is a partnership between a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, the Aboriginal community and government to provide evidence for policy and practice addressing high priority health and wellbeing issues for Aboriginal children and families. The areas of research (sub-studies) include:
- infectious diseases
- mental health, trauma & suicidality
- hazardous substance use and substance use disorders
- chronic physical diseases (e.g. diabetes)
- growth, development & neurodisability
- education engagement
- child protection involvement
- justice system involvement
The Study uses a linked dataset based on a population representative sample of Aboriginal children and their families (the 2000-02 Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey; WAACHS) and government data across health, education, child protection, and justice domains. This provides the opportunity to map pathways through services over time from birth into adulthood for individuals and within families.
With these data we can determine how early life environments and social and cultural factors contribute to Aboriginal health outcomes, and where and when programs can be most effective. In particular, we can highlight circumstances associated with positive and healthy life pathways.
Information about the original WAACHS and reports can be found here.
Funders
This study is funded by an NHMRC Synergy Grant 2023-2028 (GNT2018970)
Videos
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following videos may contain images and voices of deceased persons.
Original WAACHS 2000-02
WAACHS Volume 1
The Health of Aboriginal children and young people.
WAACHS Volume 2
The social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people.
WAACHS Volume 3
Improving the educational experiences of Aboriginal children and young people.
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WAACHS Volume 4
Strengthening the capacity of Aboriginal children, families and communities.
WAACHS Regional Profiles
The WAACHS regional profiles look at all four volumes of results across the ATSIC regions of Western Australia.
Read the regional profile findings.
The WAACHS Linked Data Study 2023-28
Read the "New life breathed into ground-breaking Aboriginal child health survey" article.