CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES BUREAU

The Catholic Social Service Bureau is a professional agency of the Diocese of Lexington that is open to people of all faiths. Our mission is to empower and assist individuals, families and groups in the Diocese to improve their quality of life. We are non-discriminatory and will serve anyone regardless of race, religion, creed, or national origin.

Services:

Pregnancy Counseling: The pregnancy counseling services offered through Catholic Social Service Bureau are:

• Available to anyone experiencing an unplanned pregnancy
• Non-profit – so services are FREE
• Confidential
• Available to you as long as you need services

There is never any pressure placed on anyone to parent or to consider other options. This is a decision that must be made by you. We will be available for support and to provide you with options so that you can make a decision based on honest and truthful information. We will help you make the decision that you feel is best for your child's future.

Parenting Preparation: For persons who decide to parent, Catholic Social Service Bureau would like to assist you in getting as prepared as possible to assume the responsibilities of parenting. We can work with you on learning the basics in caring for your baby and assist you in accessing those community resources that you may need during and after your pregnancy.

Adoption Services: Sometimes you may be faced with a pregnancy and you feel that you are just not ready to take on the responsibility of parenting. If for any reason you feel that you cannot parent at this time, you can make an adoption plan that best fits your needs and that you make for your future and your baby's future. Different adoption plans are available ranging from Open to Closed. In an Open Adoption, you choose the adoptive family, have the opportunity to get to know them and maintain contact throughout the child's life. A Closed Adoption can be chosen if you prefer to not have contact with the adoptive family, or if you would rather just receive updates about your child. Adoption can be an opportunity for you to provide the life that you think is best for your child. We respect your right to decide.

At Catholic Social Service Bureau, agency-assisted adoption means that both the birth families and the adoptive families are prepared by adoption professionals for an individualized adoption plan. Services provided include:

• Preparation to understand the uniqueness of adoptive parenting
• Help in developing the relationship with the birth parents
• Education in handling your child's feelings about adoption
• Assistance from an experienced adoption worker in navigating the adoption process