Children's Service Society

Children's Service Society (CSS) is the oldest social service agency in Utah. We were established in 1884 twelve years before Utah became a state! We have the reputation for being the leader in issues regarding children and families and we pride ourselves in providing ethical services to our families. We are one of two agencies in the state to be awarded the national contract from Lutheran Social Services to provide ethical training to all professionals regarding adoption. We firmly believe that all parties' rights, dignity and well being must be looked at in the adoption process. That means the needs of the birth parents, adoptive family and the child must be taken into consideration when an adoption is considered.

CSS's adoption program, previously known as "Open Heart Adoptions," decided last year to change the focus of the services we provide. We are no longer a child placing agency, but we are offering much needed services regarding private adoptions, which will include home studies and post placement supervisory visit services.

According to Utah licensing rules a birth mother needs to be offered at least two hours of counseling when considering an adoption. Proper mental health services prior to adoption help the birth mother make a very difficult decision for the right reasons. It will help her at the hospital and minimize the chance that she will decide not to place. Clinical assistance is vital at the time of relinquishment and will assist her in the grieving process post placement.

The placement at the hospital can be a very emotional ordeal for the birth mother and the adoptive family. Hospitals are very protective of their patients and at times are resistant to the adoptive process. We can help your clients through the entire process. We can provide complete wrap around services to your clients so this special time in their lives is a respectful and supportive process for all parties. Our package to you is as follows:

• 2 hours counseling for birth mother prior to birth
  Relinquishment services during regular business hours *
  Notary services during regular business hours **
  1 hour consultation for adoptive family prior to birth
  2 post placement supervisory visits with report to court
  Verification of birth father registry
  TOTAL: $2,500
• Additional $100.00 after hours or weekends
  ** Additional $50.00 after hours or weekends
• Additional counseling: $125/hour
  Home Studies: $750
  Testify at court: $125/hour

This small investment is a win win for all parties! It takes you out of the role of therapist and social worker and makes for a stable and rewarding experience for your clients and the birth parents.

Please feel free to call with any questions or to schedule an appointment to discuss how we can assist you in the important work you do.