Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth

Insuring Missouri's Children
More than 127,000 children in Missouri who qualify for state-sponsored healthcare are still uninsured. Catholic Charities helps families with the application process for eligible children.

The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) offers an affordable health option for families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but, because of part-time jobs or other factors, remain uninsured. Children under age 19, whose families earn less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level ($66,156 for a family of four), may be eligible for this low-cost, comprehensive coverage, which typically even includes dental and vision insurance.

Contact:
Mary Chris Blickhan
816.659-8272

Adoptions
For more than 150 years, Catholic Charities has changed the lives of countless women, children and families, providing support - and hope - when needed most.

For women with an unplanned or crisis pregnancy, Catholic Charities provides caring and compassionate case management services for as long as the woman or family feels necessary. And for couples whose hearts long for an adopted child, Catholic Charities is an accomplished leader in nationally accredited adoption services.

Licensed in Missouri and accredited through the Council on Accreditation, our experienced and compassionate staff provides:

• services for pregnant women
• confidential consultation
• information on open or closed adoptions
• the adoption home study
• post-placement supervision
• ongoing support for birth mother and adoptive parents

Adoption Options
Infant Adoption
Catholic Charities focuses on three components of an adoption - the child,
the birth family, and the adoptive family. Committed to treating each person in this triad with dignity, compassion and respect, we provide supportive services before, during and after the adoption is finalized.

Adoption Process
The adoption process begins with a home study, an assessment designed to prepare families for adoption, as well as to ensure that a safe and stable environment is provided for the adoptive child.

Placement activities include matching the potential adoptive family with a child, coordinating information between the adoptive family and birth (biological) family, and working with attorneys and court system to assure the adoption complies with pertinent federal, state, and county laws and guidelines.

Post-placement supervision includes on-going educational and support services to the adoptive family. When an adoption plan is chosen, the birthparent(s) may help select the adoptive family for the child and may select an open or closed adoption.

Adoption of Bi-racial and African American Children
Catholic Charities is seeking families interested in adopting infants of African American or bi-racial heritage. Adoption fees may be reduced in special circumstances and adoption subsidy assistance from the State of Missouri may be available to assist with initial and ongoing adoption expenses.

More about Adoption
Open and Closed Adoption
When an adoption plan is chosen, the birthparent(s) may help select the adoptive family for the child and may select an "open" or "closed" adoption.

An open adoption involves sharing of information between the birth family and adoptive family and possible ongoing contact between both parties. A closed adoption means that no identifying information is shared between the birth family and the adopting family.

In an open adoption, birthparents decide how much information to share with the adoptive parents and how much involvement they will have with the child and adoptive family. Birthparents may opt to meet the family before or after the baby is born, share letters and pictures throughout the years and have ongoing contact, if desired.

Legal Rights
Specific adoption laws vary dependent upon the state and county in which the adoption takes place. For the adoption process, Catholic Charities utilizes attorneys who are experts in the field of adoption, to assure that the rights and responsibilities of all parties are honored.

In Missouri, a birthmother and birthfather have the same rights and responsibilities for their child. If the birthfather cannot be located, the agency and attorney will still be able to work with the birthmother in making an adoption plan. If the birthfather is opposed to the adoption, he will be required to retain an attorney to represent his case in a court of law

What to do first
Expectant parents who are considering an adoption plan are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the adoption process, as early as possible. This allows more time to consider their options and decide what is best for them and their children. Catholic Charities can help parents explore their options and provide this information, as well as the continued support necessary for parents to make the best possible plan for their children.

Learn More About Adoption

After School Program (T-CAP)
Kids need a safe, fun and welcoming place to go after school. T-CAP is just that! To encourage positive decision-making and healthy lifestyles, the Teen/Youth Community Awareness Program (T-CAP) is making a world of difference in lives of at-risk youth and teens in the St. Joseph, Missouri area.

Catholic Charities and community volunteers provide tutoring, life skills training, on-site counseling and encourage parental support.

On Friday evenings and Saturdays, T-CAP presents Safe Haven, activity sessions which include cultural awareness, educational and social events.

Professional Counseling
Counseling for children, teens and their families is available on site to T-CAP participants. Counseling takes place in both group and individual settings and covers a range of issues including:

• adolescent concerns
• family dynamics
• parenting concerns
• at-risk behaviors
• self-esteem and positive decision-making
• truancy and school concerns

Northwest Missouri Office
902 Edmond St., Suite 204
St. Joseph, MO 64501
816.659.8240
(888) 629-2886
T-CAP coordinator

Counseling
For individuals struggling with any of life's challenges - personal or relationship concerns, stress or depression, or even substance abuse issues - asking for help is an important first step.

Counseling Solutions is Catholic Charities' professional counseling services program. Mental health services always confidential and provided for all ages - and all stages - of life. Our compassionate staff of mental health professionals is here to help with:

Depression or Anxiety
Personal Adjustment
Marriage and Couple Concerns
Parent, Child/Teen and Family Concerns
Loss and Grief
Character Development
Pre-marital Counseling
Grief and Loss
Anger Management
Drug & Alcohol Recovery
School-based counseling services

Assurance of Quality
Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph is accredited through the Council on Accreditation as having complied with nationally recognized standards of best practice. Counseling Solutions staff is comprised of certified counseling professionals, licensed clinical social workers and/or licensed mental health professionals. Flexible payment plans are available including some private insurance companies and Medicaid.
Counseling Locations and Appointments

Counseling Locations and Appointments
Counseling Solutions has sites located in Greater Kansas City, northwestMissouri and central Missouri. Counseling sessions are made by appointment by calling the office nearest you.

To Begin Services
A Counseling Solutions staff member is happy to assist clients in beginning services, selecting a location and determining payment options by calling one of the following offices:

Kansas City Parish-Based Counseling Sites
Catholic Charities has counseling offices conveniently located throughout the Kansas City area. For an appointment at one of the following locations, please contact the Kansas City office at 816.659.8271.

Northwest Missouri Offices
Serving Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviees, Dekalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway and Worth counties. For an appointment at one of the following locations, please contact the Northwest Missouri office at 816.232.2885 or toll free 888.629.2886.

Parent Education
Building stronger families, helping parents and children be the best they can be - Catholic Charities aims to be a helpful community resource for a variety of educational and training needs.

Community Education and Training Programs
Love and Logic - teaches practical tools and techniques that help adults achieve respectful, healthy relationships with their children.

24/7 Dads – provides information and support to foster healthy, strong relationships of fathers and their children.

Good Grief - helps individuals grow, develop and heal through all stages of the grieving process.

Capacity Building for Non-Profit and Faith-Based Organizations - provides a range of "how-to" seminars including fundraising, grant-writing, board development and mission effectiveness.

For information on these or other training programs contact:
Judy Thompson
816.659.8282
jthompson@ccharities.com

Services for Pregnant Women*
True to our mission, Catholic Charities is committed to the protection and dignity of life. Our Services for Young Families includes outreach and assistance to individuals and families expecting a child.

For women experiencing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy, Catholic Charities’ team of professional and compassionate social worker/case managers will assist with:

• A personalized plan for a healthy baby and delivery
• Medical planning and referral
• Goal development assistance
• Emergency assistance with food, rent and utilities, when available
• Parenting or adoption planning
• Educational and employment resources
• Professional counseling
• Important emotional support

All services are confidential and are designed to help expectant women and their families with the many needs and questions they may have, including the best options for a healthy delivery, parenting, or adoption plan. If a woman chooses an adoption plan she has the option of selecting the adoptive family for her child. She also has the choice of an open or closed adoption.

Catholic Charities also works with:

The child's father - to assist with understanding and making decisions relating to his child

The families - who may be trying to resolve conflicting feelings about the pregnancy and are looking for ways to help

The child - whether the birth mother decides to parent the child or choose adoption, Catholic Charities will be involved for as long as is needed.

Catholic Charities serves persons of all faiths and income levels.

Adoption as an Option
Women with an unplanned or crisis pregnancy may be faced with determining the best choice for themselves and their unborn child. Adoption is a wonderful option that has been offered through Catholic Charities for more than 130 years. Catholic Charities is licensed by the State of Missouri and accredited by the National Council on Accreditation. This assures that all clients receive the best available clinical services and support.

Adoption is a legal procedure that occurs when the birthparents (biological parents) place their child with adoptive parents who assume full legal responsibility and rights for the child.

Extensive background checks are conducted on adoptive parents before placing a baby with the family. This includes criminal and child abuse checks, financial information, medical screenings, and several references. Before an adoption is finalized in Missouri, a professional staff person provides on-going educational and support services to the adoptive family to assure a successful transition.

How to Know if Adoption is the Right Choice
The following are considerations for women contemplating an adoption plan for her child:

• Will you have the resources to make a good home and family life?
• Are you emotionally ready to be a parent?
• Have you finished school?
• What are your job prospects?
• Who will provide childcare?
• What support can be realistically expected?
• What is the best plan for this child? Who can provide that?

Help Prevent Child Abuse
Catholic Charities partners with Missouri Children's Trust Fund (CTF) in the prevention of child abuse and neglect through grant distribution, education and awareness. You can help with purchase of the official CTF license plates with hand prints logo. Ten thousand active CTF plates equates to $250,000 annually to support vital prevention programs throughout Missouri.