Harborough’s police chief and her husband set up new adoption and fostering support network after they went through an 'emotional rollercoaster journey of their own'

Harborough’s police chief has set up a new adoption and fostering support network at Leicestershire Police.

Insp Siobhan Gorman, 42, is launching the project with her police officer husband Sgt Chris Gorman.

The kind-hearted couple are acting to provide crucial support and advice to current or prospective adopters and fosterers.

Siobhan, who is based at Market Harborough police station, and firearms officer Chris have taken action after adopting their child.

Since going through their own personal journey, they decided it would be valuable to others if a specialised network was set up across the force.

Siobhán is the NPA (Neighbourhood Policing Area) Commander for Wigston and Market Harborough and has been a police officer for 17 years.

Chris has worked for Leicestershire Police for 19 years and works in the force’s Firearms Department.

The adoption process began for them both in 2014 after they went through an “emotional rollercoaster journey of their own”, Leicestershire Police said.

Siobhán said: “We had explored adoption on several occasions and decided this was the route we would still go down.

“With Chris and I both working for the police, we deal with some tragic circumstances.

“So it was important for us to give a child a nurturing, stable and loving home.”

She added: “A memorable moment for me was when our adopted child started pre-school and stood in the middle of the footpath and shouted, ‘I love you mum’!”

The team is made up of 15 “peer supporters” from a range of backgrounds.

They include same sex couples, those with mixed race heritage, people who have been through the care system and those who have already adopted/fostered.

The Adoption and Fostering Support network aims to provide guidance for those thinking about adoption and fostering and to those who may have already adopted or fostered a child.

The network also supports those who have been in the care system themselves, like Sgt Tim McKagan.

He’s based in the Custody Suite at Leicestershire Police.

Tim was a ‘cared for child’, which meant he was in and out of the care system for all of his childhood.

At just six months old Tim was put into an orphanage and was later adopted at five years old.

But for Tim his adoption journey wasn’t successful and he spent the rest of his childhood in various care homes.

“As a child I dreamt of having a ‘normal’ upbringing, but on reflection I wouldn’t change anything about my first 18 years,” he said.

“Although the adoption journey didn’t work out for me, it has given me a special insight and passion to try and help others.

“Foster parents and adoptive parents are vital to bringing some positivity to the lives of those who have had complicated starts in life.”

Siobhán and Chris Gorman said: “Adoption and fostering is about big life decisions and having a network that can offer support is of great benefit for the wellbeing of staff.

“Having been through the process ourselves we know the stresses and strains it can place on people.

“We recognised that there are people within our organisation who may need this confidential and unofficial support from others who understand.”

If you wish to speak to someone or would like to support the network, please contact:adoption&fosteringsupportnetwork@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk