Several factors provided the context for this study of Young People with High Support Needs in Substitute Care, including the changing views of childhood - particularly the significance of young people's direct participation; ideological and economic influences and theoretical debate about models of residential care.

In the words of Raychaba (1993) "historically, service provision for children and young people in care has been paternalistic, controlling and disempowering". Many theorists and practitioners are now calling for increased participation by young people and a system which gives young people more control and respect.

This background, combined with an interest in the practical experiences of young people who had lived in care facilities that were set up following the substitute care reforms in NSW in the mid 1990s, led to the development of a project undertaken by Social Work Students from UNSW on placement at ACWA.

The results of this qualitative study are now available and provide another much needed piece in the jig saw of understanding that is so necessary if we are to work for better quality services for this very vulnerable group.