• Pregnancy counseling at CSS is free, despite the plan you make for your child.

• Your social worker will talk to you about your options, even if you are considering abortion. You will get a chance to consider whether parenting is for you and allow you get information about parenting, so you are prepared for being the parent of your child. You will also get a chance to understand what adoption is and how making an adoption plan can benefit you and your child.

• Your social worker will keep your information confidential.

• Your social worker will work with your family and the father, as well.

• Your social worker will travel to you and meet in a location, that feels comfortable to you.

• Your worker will be with you during your pregnancy, at the child’s birth and after the child is born, as long as you need our services.

• Your social worker will not be judgmental of you or your decision, but work to provide caring support.

• CSS will refer you to community resource to help meet your needs during your pregnancy and after the child is born.

I just found out I am pregnant and don’t know how to tell my parents. What can CSS do to help me?

We can talk with you on how to best talk to your parents about your pregnancy. Your worker can also meet with them to talk about how this impacts you and your family. We can also help them understand our services and resources in making a plan for your baby.

What if the father is not willing to talk with me about the baby?

We can discuss ways to engage in your pregnancy. Your worker can also try to contact him and include him in the decision-making process. Your worker will also talk with him about fatherhood and understand his role in his child’s life, despite the plan you choose for your child. If you choose adoption, he will be included in this plan. If you choose parenting, he also will be included in discussing each of your roles as parents. Either way, his role is an important one.

What do I do first in deciding what is best for me and my child?

Please review our Unplanned Pregnancy presentation. There are two parts to this presentation. The first discusses how to begin the decision-making process. The second discusses parenting and adoption to help inform you the services CSS provides and information you need to know while making your plan.

You can also call our offices to meet with one our social workers to help walk you through these steps. Our toll free number is (800)727-2401 or call (605)348-6086.