ABSTRACT
Earlier papers by the author have argued the need for better provision for children's self-expressive play. Regardless of continued advocacy from many sources, policy makers place very low priority on this need. The present chapter attempts to collate the long-standing evidence. The author has also previously highlighted the special needs of the developmental stage of pre-and early adolescence, which he has designated the 'Forgotten Group' because his comparative studies have shown this stage to be generally neglected in such provision throughout the world. This chapter presents this case for important consideration also within the field of residential care. The chapter also assumes that the role of the adult in children's play is to respond to the initiatives of the child and suggests the following essential principles which adults need to understand in order to provide appropriate support to children's play in the home and the community and institutions.
