AN ONLINE web chat service has been launched to support people looking to adopt or foster a child.

Hampshire County Council (HCC) has designed the service for adoption and fostering specialists to be easier to contact for those deciding whether to make the step. care.

During office hours, potential carers can opt to begin a live, online chat with an advisor to ask questions about the process, including if they would be eligible to apply.

North Hampshire couple Lucy and Mark* adopted a young brother and sister and said it is an amazing experience.

Lucy said: “Having talked to other adopters, I think the process was unusually quick for us. It was great that things moved on so fast once we’d decided to do it.

"However, it did make it an intense experience, especially at the point of meeting the children. You need to be open to anything and ready to just go with it.”

The couple originally wanted to have their own children but when they were unable to do so, adoption was their next plan.

While the children have settled in well, the couple agreed transition to a new life can be overwhelming at times.

Lucy added: “You need to be ready for the moments when you need to explain that your children are adopted, or decide how much you want to tell people.

“When a doctor asks you if they have ever had an asthma attack or an allergic reaction, you have to be open and explain that some of their history is unknown to you or when you’re with other mums, and they’re chatting about childbirth, you need to be prepared and have decided what you will say.”

The adoptive parents also said the biggest piece of advice for would-be adopters is to set up a good support network, including with other adopters who are facing the same challenges.

There are currently more than 40 children under HCC’s responsibility waiting to be adopted, with a particular need for adopters able to home siblings or a child with disabilities.

Foster and adoption drop-in events are taking place in the new year, with an evening hosted in Andover on 21 March, 5-8pm.

For more information, go to www.hants.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering.
*Names have been changed for the purpose of this article.