Bringing interactivity to the search for a family with BAAF
Written 20.07.07 by: Sally Smith
the OTHER media have launched Be My Parent online, a brand new website and initiative from the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF), which is set to revolutionise the process of adopting and fostering children in the UK.
Be My Parent online is the first web-based family-finding service for children in care that offers secure online referrals. The project uses the interactivity of the internet to reach and engage new audiences who would not have considered fostering or adoption previously. Security was of course of utmost importance, thus extensive security testing was undertaken before launch.
Theresa Austin, Project Manager at the OTHER media, said “We’re aware that profiling children on the Internet is a sensitive area. We took the issue of security very seriously and employed a range of measures to ensure a consistent and high level of protection, both for the children featured and for users of the website”.
Be My Parent online has allowed BAAF to extend and enrich its child profiles, which were traditionally only ever produced in print. The online profiles include more detailed child information, additional photos and in some cases video-clips. The website has also been integrated with the new Be My Parent database, streamlining and speeding up the process of adoption and fostering dramatically.
Mo O’Reilly, BAAF Director of Child Placement Services commented “The internet offers fantastic opportunities to convey the essence of a child using video and audio clips, as well as more words to describe them. This is especially important for disabled children where prospective families can be deterred by medical diagnoses and general prejudice. The new website will allow us to reach new foster carers and families looking to adopt, giving more children the chance of permanent happiness.”
The website is split into two distinct areas: a public site and a subscription area. Subscription to the website, for prospective adopters and fosterers, starts at £5.50 for one month. Log on to www.bemyparent.org.uk for more information today.
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For media enquiries please contact Sally Smith at the OTHER media. Tel: 020 7089 5959 or email sally.smith@othermedia.com
Notes to editors
- The British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) is the UK’s leading adoption and fostering charity. The organisation’s new website www.bemyparent.org.uk is live now. The main website is www.baaf.org.uk
- With 13 years of digital experience, the OTHER media brings together innovative design, technology and people. We’re committed to driving the online success of our clients.
- If you would like to discuss a redesign, please phone George Crabb, the OTHER media’s Managing Director on 020 7089 5959 or email george.crabb@othermedia.com