It was my first time in Parliament. We were seated around a table with seven or eight MPs and Peers, discussing the challenges adoptive families are facing across the country. After hearing directly from an adoptive mum, one MP asked a simple but powerful question: ‘What do you want us to do for you?’ It was the dream question, giving us the opportunity to speak directly to power and advocate for real change.

Change happens in many ways, but it generally falls into two categories: top-down and bottom-up. The former can be slow and frustrating, while the latter is often relentless and exhausting. However, when combined, these approaches can change the world. At Home for Good, we are committed to finding a home for every child who needs one, using both methods to achieve this vision.

Our bottom-up work involves equipping a growing network of incredible people in communities and churches across the country to foster, adopt or become a supported lodgings host. Every day, we hear stories of lives changed and futures brightened as children and young people are welcomed into homes and given a sense of belonging.

Our top-down efforts recognise that the social care system is not a product of thoughtful design but the result of years of quick fixes, budget cuts, and piecemeal reforms. Despite the dedication of social workers and professionals who tirelessly advocate for children, the system remains fractured and in some areas, broken. At Home for Good, our advocacy team refuses to accept the notion that "it’s just the way it is." We take the stories and wisdom of care-experienced children and the families who have provided a home, and we present them to those in power across the UK, showing that a better way is possible. We build a bridge between those whose voices are too often ignored and those who have the authority to enact change.

We are committed to breaking down systemic barriers, enabling more people to step forward and offer a place of belonging to a child or young person in need. We strive for integrity as we invite more people into contact with this system, knowing we are working to improve it. This is why our systemic change work is crucial to our vision of improving the landscape for children in care across the UK.

We want to see change from the bottom up, as more people open their homes and churches become networks of support for adopters, foster carers and supported lodgings hosts. At the same time, we push for full-scale reform from the top down, ensuring that children thrive as they grow up and tranistion into adulthood. Some might say "never in a million years." We say, "Let’s get to work."