Pregnancy Counseling
What’s best for you and what’s best for your child – those are our priorities as we help you face the difficult decisions and formidable challenges associated with an unplanned pregnancy. Our goal is to assist you in establishing a safe and secure plan for you and your child.
If you’re facing the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy, choosing whether to parent or place your child with an adoptive family may be the toughest decision you’ll ever have to make. But we’re here for you, offering unconditional support regardless of which path you choose.
At no cost to you, members of caring, compassionate staff will help you understand your options. We’ll offer you knowledge and experience, but you’ll make your own decisions.
We are committed to assisting you whether you choose a parenting plan or an adoption plan. Should you choose adoption, we are committed to finding the best possible adoptive families for infants whose birth parents have chosen adoption. Placing a child with an adoptive family is a very responsible option that brings immeasurable joy to couples who are unable to build their families due to infertility. Each couple approved as potential adoptive parents by Catholic Charities has been carefully screened through an extensive home study. Adoptive families also undergo comprehensive training and our supervision continues beyond placement.
Catholic Charities offers expertise and understanding as we provide assistance that’s sensitive to your individual needs. And we make no judgments. If you don’t wish to take advantage of our pregnancy counseling services, but choose adoption, we can still coordinate and assist in placing your child with an adoptive family. Again, you make your own choices. In fact, your final decision isn’t made until after your baby is born. And no matter what that decision is, we’re here for you, offering our unwavering support. And, no, you don’t have to be Catholic to use our adoption services; they are open to everyone regardless of faith or background.
Services
- Free, confidential pregnancy counseling
- Support in speaking with family members
- Selecting an adoptive family
- Hospital support
- Post-adoption counseling and support
Options
- Adoption
- Parenting
- Kinship Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In the State of Virginia a child can search for their birth parents once they reach the age of 18. It is important that you keep your contact information current with Catholic Charities so that we can contact you at that time.
A letter is something that could be beneficial to your child. It is a way to let your child know what you were feeling during your pregnancy and the reason you make a plan of adoption. This is something that adoptive families treasure having from you for the child.
There are standards that every adoptive family must meet which are set by both Catholic Charities and the State of Virginia. Families are thoroughly assessed before being approved for adoption and a counselor will make visits to the adoptive family after placement to ensure your child’s well being.
You will be asked to provide a social/medical history for the child. Depending on the type of adoption plan you choose the information given to the adoptive family will vary from non-identifying to identifying. This information will be provided to the child at age appropriate intervals.
Each situation is unique. This can be discussed with your counselor who will work with you in deciding how to properly address the birth father’s rights.
Experiences and emotions vary from parent to parent, but placing a child for adoption is never an easy decision for anyone. These emotions can vary from grief, loss, and sadness in placing your child for adoption to joy, contentment, and happiness at seeing your child with their adoptive family.
Even after months of certainty and preparing, once your baby is born, you might change your mind. In Virginia the law allows between 7 and 10 days to revoke your decision depending on the age of the child.
No, at Catholic Charities we work with individuals from various ages, religions, and ethnic groups.
At Catholic Charities you do not have to worry that you will be pressured to choose adoption. Our counselors are committed to helping you figure out what is right for you and giving you the support you need to make the decision that is right for you.
Agencies are staffed with ethical, knowledgeable professionals who bring expertise to adoption counseling and support. Agencies offer free support services and counseling to you before, during, and after an adoption decision is made.