Love and hope are the common threads that continue to unite families for Homes for Black Children ( HBC ) Agency. Since 1969, revolutionary programs have led to the adoption of over 1, 800 children, and the return of thousands of chidren to their families. HBC is an intervention agency that focuses on family preservation. Many children come to HBC through the child welfare system who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Some were born drug exposed. HBC assists with the temporary placement of the children who are removed from their families. The agency works with families from whom the children were taken, to try to bring everyone back together. The agency also provides supportive counseling, pregnancy counseling, adoption services, foster care, foster home licensing and life enrichment programs to help foster children and adopted children to adjust to life in different environments. The caring staff at Homes for Black Children is dedicated to making sure that Services Foster Care Services- The agency accepts both voluntary and involuntary placements. The voluntary placements are temporary while the parents make plans for their children. The involuntary placements are made by the Department of Human Services ( DHS ). The Department of Human Services negotiates a contract annually with Homes for Black Children to give care to children when out of home placement is necessary. Family Counseling- This is a service given when the person expresses the inability to cope with the demands of their children. Homes for Black Children provides family counseling when he nature of the request is related to the possible need for out of home placement. The agency offers life enrichment and life skills programming to provide services to families who need assistance in stabilizing their family. Pregnancy Counseling- Expectant parents who seek assistance in planning for their unborn children are served through the agency. Usually the request is made when an individual telephones the agency and indicates that they are considering releasing the unborn child for adoption. Generally support services enable these parents to provide a suitable home for their children.