While providing WA and regional estimates in the first instance, the findings are also likely to be of value to Aboriginal communities and service providers elsewhere in Australia. A notable feature of the survey measurement design is a focus on competencies, opportunities and environments that promote resiliency in Aboriginal children and young people. The survey has been planned in partnership with the WA Community Controlled Health Organisations and has involved extensive collaboration with Aboriginal communities and agencies throughout Western Australia with an active process of consultation underway for over two years. The main survey will be conducted from May - December 2000 and will cover a statewide sample of 1,635 Aboriginal families, with 4,468 Aboriginal children between birth and 17. From this sample it expected that data will be obtained for 3127 Aboriginal children across the State.
Participation is voluntary.
Current funding for the pilot and dress rehearsal stages of the project has been secured through Western Australian State government departments, the Western Australian Lotteries Commission, and the Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation. Further funding to allow the main survey to proceed is the subject of current applications to the Commonwealth government at the time of the writing of this article.