The poet/writer Lemn Sissay, who is a brilliant role model for fostered and adopted children and young people, himself being a care leaver, has just published a book about his journey through the care system.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Lemn, despite his terrible experience of the care system, spoke positively of the role that fostering and adoption can play in society.
"A child will test you emotionally, spiritually, financially, throughout your life, so to adopt a child is the greatest thing a human being can do for another. I am glad I have got to a place where I can see that really clearly."
Such encouraging words, particularly for those of us a long way down the road, especially for those of us for whom it has been a far from straightforward journey.
I think the second sentence may resonate for those of us with older children, who are just about clinging onto family status by the tips of our fingernails; it must be nice to be appreciated at some point in the far-flung future!