Looked after children are disadvantaged in terms of their overall health. Poor health and social outcomes may be the result of neglect and abuse prior to being taken into care, but may also reflect the limitations of service provision for looked after children. However, very little is known about the health behaviours and views of looked after children.

This short consultation study, led by our colleagues at the Public Health Improvement Research Network (http://www.phirn.org.uk/) in Wales, included interviews with young people and focus groups with nurses, to explore the experiences and perceptions of 16 to 19 year olds as they take more responsibility for their own health. The findings informed a further funding bid focusing on health improvement interventions for looked after children.