Youth is a key transition period in a person’s life. It is a time when decisions are made about relationships, education and career paths, employment and finances. The social, economic, environmental and technological changes that have occurred in recent decades mean that young people now face issues that previous generations may not have experienced.

Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may face additional obstacles in making a successful transition to adulthood. The effect of inter-generational trauma, racism and prejudice, and socioeconomic disadvantage are all relevant in understanding the experiences of young Indigenous people today.

The forthcoming AIHW report, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent and youth health and wellbeing 2018, focuses on Indigenous people aged 10–24. It reports on a framework that covers health and wellbeing outcomes, social and economic determinants, health risk factors, and health and welfare services (below).

This In brief report provides an overview of the data in the main report.