By Vanessa Mosharaf
Buckner International

Mothers experiencing crisis pregnancy can now chat with a counselor online through Live Chat on Buckner Adoption’s Web site www.beafamily.org.

“The purpose of Live Chat is to answer specific questions women may have about adoption or foster care, or questions they have about dealing with crisis pregnancy,” said Erica Penick, adoption counselor.

Mothers can also learn about Buckner’s services in a non-threatening way while maintaining anonymity, she said.

“We are focused on getting them to try to come in for an appointment where we can explain it in detail and begin building rapport with them,” Penick said.

Live Chat’s strong point is information, she added. Women who know very little about Buckner or the open adoption system can find answers without having to call.

“I think the Live Chat allows us to answer a few questions specifically about open adoption as there are a lot of misconceptions out there about it,” Penick said.

The feature was added with the new Web site which was launched mid-March of this year. It has found increased popularity especially with Crisis Pregnancy Centers, where a counselor there can access Live Chat with a client as part of an informational meeting.

Counselors are available online Monday through Friday. If a counselor is not available, users can leave a message when they are away.

There is also a 24-hour crisis pregnancy hotline available at 1-800-441-2670.

For more information contact Buckner Adoption at 1-866-236-7823 or e-mail adoption@buckner.org.