Baptist Children's Home
and Family Services

Angels' Cove:
Maternity Care Services
(ID# 401813)

Angels’ Cove in Mount Vernon is home to the maternity, foster care and foster care services of BCHFS. At Angels’ Cove, young women facing a pregnancy find love and care in a home-like setting. Assistance is provided in the positive choices of parenting and adoption with neither option stressed more than the other.

Hope and answers to very difficult problems are offered along with medical support. Girls who elect to parent their infants participate in parenting classes and learn independent living skills. 

While in care, each girl continues to pursue her education through completion of a GED program, high school, or attendance at a local college. 

• Click here to view the REQUIRED FORMS for placement into Angels' Cove Maternity Care

Angels’ Cove Maternity Care

Residential and in-home maternity care services are provided as a positive alternative to abortion. This program attempts to meet the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of young women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Inquiries may be made by phone, fax or email. No client will be denied services based on race, religion or financial ability. Residents may come at any time during their pregnancy.

If that decision is to parent, we attempt to equip them to be the best parent they can be. This means, along with attending regular academic instruction, they are also involved in classes regarding parenting skills, safety, career selection, housing, budgeting, resource networking, etc.

If that decision is to choose adoption, they are assisted in selecting a family who will be the “forever-family” for their child. Counseling will include issues of grief and loss.

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Residential Maternity Care

Although we attempt to address the main components of our residential maternity care program within our agency brochure, there are many frequently asked questions concerning living at the maternity center. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) received:

• At what point in their pregnancy may girls come into the program?
• How long may girls stay after delivery?
• Do I have to place my baby for adoption?
• What does it cost to come into residential maternity care?
• May I keep my own doctor?
• May I have visitors?
• May I get a job?
• Where will I go to school?
• Do I have to go to church?
• Are after-care services provided?
• What are the advantages of coming into the residential maternity care program?
• What is expected of me?
  

How long may girls stay after delivery?
Length of stay is based on individual needs. When a girl comes into the program, long-term plans are addressed early in the placement. It is important for residents to address the realities of being a single mother and begin making plans to meet the practical
needs of that role, i.e. financial, housing, child care, transportation, education and career.

Individualized short and long-term goals are established to encourage the girls to focus on the upcoming challenges of single parenting. These may include repairing family relationships, educational advancement, vocational training, housing opportunities, financial responsibility, etc. The duration of residential care may be based on the completion of these goals.

Do I have to place my baby for adoption?
This is the most frequently misunderstood portion of our program. Many are under the impression that in order to be eligible for admission into our residential maternity care program, they must be considering adoption. This is not a requirement of our program
and the majority of residents choose to parent their child.

What does it cost to come into residential maternity care?
Payment for residential placement is based on a family’s income and their ability to pay. Families are asked to pay 10% of their income which is determined by their most recent tax return or paycheck stub. If the parent(s) are unable to pay 10%, the amount
is negotiated at the pre-placement interview. No client will be denied services based on financial ability.

For those residents without parental support or over age 18, they are asked to contribute 30% of income earned through employment and 50% of income through public assistance.

May I keep my own doctor?
Most residents are seen by local obstetricians in Mt.Vernon.
Securing medical services outside of Mt.Vernon may only be
allowed if it is deemed in the resident’s best interest and if
transportation is available.

May I have visitors?
Maintaining or improving family relationships is a big part of our program. Girls are also encouraged to develop other healthy relationships outside of the center. Staff must be notified 24 hours in advance prior to each visit. Dating is allowed, however, the
young man must first meet with maternity center staff to discuss expectations and rules.

Our Mentor Program provides residents the opportunity to be matched up with Christian women of the community who befriend, encourage and support our young mothers. These volunteers must complete the state specified background clearances.

May I get a job?
Because of the tremendous responsibility of single motherhood, we encourage residents 16 and older to secure employment while at the center. This is a tremendous opportunity to save money and prepare for independent living once they leave our program.

The State of Illinois requires employment for residents 18 years and over who pursue educational advancement and request financial assistance for child care expenses from the State of Illinois public assistance. Our program policy requires most residents to either secure employment or donate a portion of their time in a volunteer capacity within the community. We have found this to provide an income, build self-confidence, provide employment experience and teach self-discipline - all important for single mothers.

Where will I go to school?
Junior high and high school age residents attend public school unless the physician orders homebound instruction. Girls over age16, who are not appropriate candidates for a classroom education, study to obtain their GED certification.

Residents 18 and over must be involved in some form of educational opportunity, e.g. vocational training, junior college, community education, etc.

Do I have to go to church?
We at BCHFS believe we are called to address the spiritual needs of all our clients. Residents need to understand that God has a plan for their life and the life of their child. Worshiping together, daily devotions and building relationships with the church family
provide residents with valuable insight, experience and opportunity.

Are after-care services provided?
Residents are offered after-care services in their home or in the office for at least six months after discharge from care.

What are the advantages of coming into the residential maternity care program?

• Program provides a holistic approach by attempting to meet physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs.
• Counseling services include individual, group and family therapy.
• Practical assistance includes housing, food, clothing, educational opportunities, financial advisement, transportation, and resource networking.
• A safe and positive living situation allows for new beginnings, life style changes, etc.

What is expected of me?

• Educational opportunities
• Assigned daily chores
• Parenting classes
• Church attendance
• Employment or volunteer work (residents 18 and over; 16 and over if not in school)
• Appropriate behavior and respect of others
  

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In-Home Maternity Care

Young women living in their own homes or with family may still need counseling and direction regarding their pregnancy situation. They may want to consider adoption or need counseling to deal with unexpected challenges of single parenting.

These girls are seen in their own homes or at the agency office. This service may also be provided by area offices located throughout the state. Girls planning adoption are assisted in thorough consideration of this decision, choosing a family, determining the degree of openness, and processing the loss associated with losing a child. Family counseling may also be provided to assist parents in dealing with the loss of their biological grandchild. The following are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about In-Home Maternity Care at BCHFS.

• May I choose the family for my child?
• How much contact will I have with the family?
• What does it cost me?
• Who will pay my medical bills?
• What are the advantages of placing my child through BCHFS?

May I choose the family for my child?
Yes, mothers making an adoption plan (birth mothers) are provided with a variety of eligible adoptive families from which to choose a family for her child.

How much contact will I have with the family?
This is based on the birth mother’s desires and expectations. Prospective adoptive parents are educated on the importance of honesty and openness in adoption and then determine the amount of contact they feel is appropriate for them. This information is then presented to birth parents during the adoptive family selection
process.

What does it cost me?
There is no charge for the counseling services provided to birth mothers, whether they choose adoption or parenting.

Who will pay my medical bills?
Resources to cover pregnancy-related medical expenses are investigated. However, for those choosing adoption, any pregnancy-related expenses not covered through public
assistance or insurance are paid by BCHFS. A portion of these charges will be paid by the adoptive parents.

What are the advantages of placing my child through BCHFS?

• Qualified, compassionate staff to assist birth mothers with the adoption process
• Ongoing support following the birth of the child
• Annual birth mother reunions to provide ongoing support and encouragement
• Liaison between adoptive parents and birth parents
• Assistance with adoption reunions upon request
• Child will be placed with Christian adoptive parents
  

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Forms Needed for Placement at Angels' Cove Maternity Care

1. Birth Certificate
2. Social Security Card
3. Proof of Pregnancy
4. Insurance &/or Medical Card
5. WIC ID Card
6. Immunization Records
7. School Transfer Form
8. Class Schedule
9. School Transcript
10. Dental Records
11. Psychological or Social History
12. Parents are asked to provide documentation of income through their most recent tax return or paycheck stub(s).
    

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