A NEW ‘web chat’ service has been launched for people who are interested in providing a stable and caring home for children in care.

This new facility will allow prospective adopters or foster carers to talk directly to specialists in Hampshire County Council’s adoption and fostering team, and receive immediate answers to their questions and queries.

Keith Mans, the county council’s executive lead member for children’s services, said: “We’re always looking for more people who feel they could provide a loving, stable home for a child, or even for a group of brothers and sisters.

“Deciding to apply to adopt or foster a child is a big step, and it’s important that all the information and advice people might need to make a decision is easy to access. This web chat service will make it easier to get in touch with a specialist quickly, for information or arrange a call back. This kind of service is an increasingly popular option for people with busy lives.”

Visitors to the Finding Homes for Hampshire Children website during office hours can now opt to begin a live, online chat with an adviser if they would like to ask questions about adoption, including their potential eligibility to adopt.

There are more than 40 children in the care of Hampshire County Council who are waiting to be adopted. There is a particular need for adopters who feel they could give a home to sibling groups, or a child with disabilities.

The authority provides good support for adopters and the new additions to their families. And its adoption support team of social worker specialists is on hand for as long as needed.

Anyone over 18 who has a spare room and some personal or professional child care experience can apply to adopt a child, whether an individual or a couple.

To find out more, visit www.hants.gov.uk/adoption or call 0300 5551384.