Oklahoma City, Okla., Dec 18, 2011 / 11:08 am
Catholic Charities is making transitional care available at the Holy Family Maternity Home in Oklahoma City for teens in crisis pregnancies.
“The goal of this new service is to help the family and the teenage girl who is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy as they work to create a ‘new normal’ in their lives,” said Monica Palmer, associate director for Clinical Services.
“Families often need time and help to adjust.”
As part of the Transitional Care program, Holy Family Home offers short-term residential services in a safe and supportive environment. Each girl enrolled in the program will have a private room with caring staff on duty 24 hours a day, as well as case management to assist in making an educational and a medical plan.
Additionally, Holy Family Maternity Home provides age-appropriate recreational activities including field trips, art and musical events.
“The residents and families will be able to decide on the length of the stay based on their needs,” said Mary Jane Webster, Holy Family Maternity Home director. “If needed, the girl can stay through the birth of her baby and complete the school semester.”
To further help ease the transition, counseling is available through Holy Family Maternity Home to assist both the young mother and her family in the decision of whether to parent or place the child for adoption.
If she chooses to parent, the resident will be given training in parenting and other life skills. Also, as a part of the case management service, families will be given information regarding other community services available.
Staffed by caring professionals, Holy Family Maternity Home is a full service home for young women in crisis pregnancies from throughout Oklahoma. All services at the Holy Family Home are provided at no cost to the young mother or family.
For more information, visit www.catholiccharities.com.
Printed with permission from Sooner Catholic, newspaper for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.