Home-based counseling (pregnancy, parenting, adoption) and case management for pregnant women in crisis and family members affected by the pregnancy. The goals of the program are a healthy pregnancy, healthy delivery of the child and stabilization of the home environment.

Expectant Parent Services

Good Shepherd Children & Family Services provides case management, counseling and referral services to any member of a family experiencing a crisis pregnancy. All services are confidential, individualized and provided free of charge.

Our goals in supporting expectant parents and their families are to assure a healthy delivery for mother and child and a safe, stable home environment for the child.

Masters-level counselors meet with each client, either at our site or the client's home, to provide services in the following areas:

Counseling:

• Emotional reactions to the pregnancy;

• Preparations for delivery (e.g. pre-natal care) and post-natal child care;

• Relationship between the biological parents and extended family;

• Legal issues; and

• Gaps in communication, problem solving and parenting skills and how they might be addressed.

Referrals for:

• Safe housing

• Medical care

• Educational resources

• Employment training

• Any other needs identified by the client

Adoption:

• Guidance regarding adoption and related standard hospital and legal practices;

• Assistance in coping with the emotional impact of adoption and the reactions of others;

• Support in selecting and meeting the adoptive family as well as negotiating the openness of the placement.

These services are made possible through the support of the Missouri Children's Trust Fund.