needs, the child will have a much better chance of a positive future. The importance of foster carers who step in to provide this stability and nurturing when families simply can't cope can't be underestimated. By giving children a stable and caring home, foster carers can and do turn children's lives around. We are right to focus on the importance of family, and we need to do more to support families to develop strong and resilient relationships. With more than 17,000 children in care in NSW we also need to acknowledge the importance of providing all children with a stable home environment, whatever that looks like. What children really need is someone who can care for and nurture them and guide their development. We owe it to our children to embrace and support Australian families in all their shapes and forms, including foster families.