The adoption support fund is a lifeline for parents like us. At a time of political turmoil, it must not be overlooked

It was the question that brought serious, life-altering consequences for our family. The social worker sipping coffee in our lounge leaned forward and casually asked us whether we could consider adopting this little girl.

Adoption was not on our radar. We had three children by birth and our journey as foster carers had only just begun. Our first foster placement – the baby crawling between us – was healthy and beautiful and, as far as I understood, about to be wrenched away to be adopted. But the social worker wanted what was best for this child, who had already suffered enough early childhood trauma without an additional move to another family