ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the role of qualitative research in seeking to understand how notions of participation are understood and experienced by children and young people. The Children's Society proposed to undertake a study aimed at identifying the existing levels of 'participation' by children and young people eligible to use the new service. The formation of The National Association for Young People in Care (NAYPIC) focused a campaign for children and young people in care to have a say in decision making that affects their lives. There was some evidence to suggest that the additional regulations concerning decision making processes regarding 'looked after' children, introduced by the Children Act, actually worked against enabling young people to be involved in decision making, even though this was a requirement emphasised by the Act. A key factor, for some children and young people, was the involvement of parents in the decision making processes.
