A researcher for a well-known TV drama series has contacted Adoption-net for help in making an episode with an adoption storyline.

The programme is hoping to include in the plot the issues of being rejected as an potential adopter, overseas adoption and unknowingly adopting a baby that is carrying the HIV virus.

"Obviously there are numerous issues surrounding this possible story idea," researcher Lizzie Toms told Adoption-net. "What difficulties lie in adopting in the UK, and why would a couple be turned down?

"We do not want to make the law look harsh or make the couple look foolish, so it would have to be something that does not offend either party."

She added: "Other issues are where would the baby come from - which country has a particularly bad HIV rate for children and poor medical care - and what support and choices could the family be given, as well as implications for the long term health of the child."

Anyone who may be able to fill Lizzie in on some of these issues can e-mail her or call her on 0794 7122826I.