Women's Counseling and Support Services

Our Mission

In celebration of the sacredness of life, we affirm women and are respectful of their social, religious and cultural diversity, and are mindful of personal choices concerning their pregnancy. Through interactive programs and services, we challenge women to educate, empower and advocate for themselves, their children and significant others in the areas of relationships, parenting and adoption. With compassion, dignity and grace we seek to serve all women with a special regard for the most vulnerable.

Who We Are

The WCSS Program is specifically designed to assist women, their families, and significant others who are experiencing difficulties in relation to pregnancy or parenting issues. We address the counseling and pregnancy-planning needs of women and families through our Family Counseling Related to Pregnancy Service, Pregnancy Planning Service and Adoption Planning Services.

Who We Serve

Any woman, married or unmarried, and significant others (i.e. family members, father of the child, etc.) are eligible for full services during and after the pregnancy. While services are not sub-contracted with other professionals, services may include referrals to qualified licensed health practitioners for medical care such as the health department, WIC, and medical society. Supportive services are also provided for maintenance within the community such as parenting classes, parenting support groups or individualized problem support or treatment groups for drug, alcohol or mental health issues. When such services are not provided by the local office, a referral is made to qualified licensed agencies to provide that service. Individual and family counseling are all provided by WCSS counselors to clients planning for the infant whether they plan to parent or place the child for adoption. Assistance is offered to clients regardless of race, color, religion or residence.

Our Services

We believe in an open adoption philosophy. If you decide that adoption is the best plan for you and your child, our experienced, compassionate adoption professions will work with you to design a process that is right for you. We believe in an open adoption philosophy. Some of the steps of this process include:

  • Choosing your child’s adoptive parents
  • Meeting and developing a relationship with your child’s adoptive parents
  • Understanding the legalities and time frames
  • Discussing birthfather rights and participation
  • Planning your hospital experience
  • On going contact with adoptive family after the adoption, including pictures, phone calls and visits
  • Grief education and counseling after placement
  • Extended family support
  • Search & Reunion process

Families and individuals can face challenges and need assistance. Some of the issues our counseling and education programs address include:

  • Bonding/attachment issues
  • Managing the toddler
  • Enforcing appropriate consequences
  • Managing non-compliance
  • Blended family issues
  • Relationship issues
  • Domestic violence issues
  • Acting out teenagers

 Our staff is available to speak to groups on the following topics:

  • Adoption
  • Single parenting
  • Abstinence
  • Catholic Charities
  • Parenting issues and resources

Service Areas

Service areas include the following counties: Bureau, Champaign, Henry, LaSalle, Marshall, Mercer, Mason, Peoria, Piatt, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Tazwell, Vermillion, and Woodford in Illinois, and Scott County in Iowa. For more information, please contact the WCSS counselor at the office nearest you or call our toll free number 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800.852.4294.

Additional Information (PDF files)

"Once you choose hope, anything is possible." ~ Christopher Reeve