The definition of ‘family’ often varies widely across cultures. But one thing most can agree on is that your family are the people who nurture you, and who you provide care for in return. Family is especially important for us when we are children; ideally providing our first relationships, being a source of love and learning, and creating safety and security. However, this is not the reality for everyone. Family dysfunction is common and can be devastating, especially for children. Family separation can occur for a whole range of reasons, such as war, violence, oppression or ill-health, making adoption and fostering complicated topics that can be sources of trauma or joy. And there are still many families - such as same-sex parents, or single mothers - who face discrimination and stigma.