Young people provide a unique and essential perspective on how our child protection and other human services are functioning. This new report presents the latest findings of an ongoing study investigating the experiences and perspectives of young people in residential care in Queensland.

Survey data from a representative sample of 221 young people were analysed to identify young people's satisfaction with various aspects of their residential care experience: their sense of safety, their comfort in their living environment, how supported and cared for they feel, their involvement in decision-making related to their lives, and their sense of normality in care. It also investigates various self-identified needs and circumstances of young people, generating unusually rich and current information on this vulnerable group that is not available elsewhere.

Survey findings point to strengths and weaknesses in current service delivery. The vast majority of respondents felt safe and well-treated in residential care and satisfied with the care and support provided by residential facilities staff. Respondents were less commonly satisfied with: the support provided by statutory case workers; their participation in higher-order decision-making related to their lives in care; their sense of normality in care; and the amount of contact they are able to have with their families.

The report discusses some of the policy and practice implications of the survey's findings and proposes strategies for responding to some of the key issues of concern identified.

The Views of Young People in Residential Care research is part of a larger research project being conducted by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian that also includes biennial surveys of children and young people in foster care and detention centres. For more information, contact Jenni Southwell on (07) 3211 6876 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Full report: http://is.gd/3eHcc (PDF)

Related reports: http://www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/about/publications/reports.html