Adoption UK was set up 50 years ago by adopters, for adopters. In recent AUK research, a third of established adoptive families were facing severe challenges which had placed a great strain on their family. Almost half of families with older children were dealing with crises such as their children being drawn into child sexual exploitation or county lines activities.

Despite all this, the majority of families would encourage others to adopt. Every day we hear people describe their love for their children, their joy in being their parents and their commitment to helping them heal. These are extraordinary families, and we have a moral duty to make sure they have what they need to help their children thrive. Its time for governments to invest in giving families the right support at the right time, every time.

Over our first fifty years, Adoption UK has pioneered peer support for adopters. We've built a vibrant community of families sharing experience and friendship. We've brought the lived experience of adoption onto the airwaves and into ministers offices, ensuring our families are seen and heard as policy decisions are taken.

We'll continue to challenge ourselves to go further, using digital technology where that will have more impact for families. We'll do more for adopted young people and adults. We'll consolidate our help for kinship carers, and well establish links with the wide network of supporters and champions who love our children.

These are tough times for every family but particularly for those who are parenting children who've experienced trauma. Today, the average age for a child to be placed for adoption is three, by which time most will have had grim early years in their first families. We'll be here for adopted and kinship care children and the families that love them for as long as they need us. Together, were family.