Paul Adams, British Association for Adoption & Fostering, Kirby Street, London, writes: As the new year advances, many people are welcoming a pet to their family home for the first time. At the British Association for Adoption and Fostering, we believe pets have the potential to improve the emotional and physical well-being of children, including those who have been or are in the care system. Living with pets can help children to increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety or loneliness and promote attachment. We have created a book called Dogs and Pets in Fostering and Adoption and produced a podcast featuring its author Paul Adams. Paul owns two rescue dogs and is also an adoptive father. You can listen to the podcast at https://audio">https://audio boom.com/BAAF adoption.