There are few phrases currently appearing in children's services conversations more often than "staying close". Whether you're discussing placement sufficiency, care leavers, family networks, fostering, kinship care or simply trying to make sense of the latest guidance, sooner or later someone will remind us of the importance of helping children stay connected to the people and places that matter most. As we approach Care Leavers' Month in November, the national focus on enduring relationships feels particularly timely.