Listen Up! Adult Care Leavers Speak Out is a ground-breaking report. Based on a survey of 310 care leavers aged from 17 to 78 that took place in the autumn of 2009, it brings together for the first time a range of data that begins to reveal the experiences of care leavers throughout the life-course. In doing so, it meets one of the central aims of the Care Leavers' Association (CLA) - to give a voice to the experience of those who may have spent months or years in care as children, whether public, voluntary or private. Being 'heard' is the first step to being understood - and understanding is the first step to ensuring that the lessons of past experience are not forgotten. In this regard, some of the messages in Listen Up! may not be what the reader expects.