Adoption | (801)-326-4408

CSS is the oldest non-denominational child welfare agency in Utah.

For over 135 years, we have provided adoption services to thousands of birthparents, adoptive families, and their children. In 2018, CSS received the “Utah Ethical Leadership” award for our ethical adoption services as the leading provider in supportive community services and nonprofit leadership.

Meet Our Team!

Tara Romney Barber, LCSW

Tara has worked with children, adolescents, and families in various capacities for almost 20 years, and she is passionate about improving the lives of children and their families. Tara is currently the Adoption and Clinical Program Director at CSS. She is trained in several evidence-based trauma treatment modalities, including EMDR, TF-CBT. Tara enjoys helping adoption and kinship families build on their strengths and increase their resiliency.

Becca Pankow, CSW

Becca is a Certified Social Worker and has been with Children’s Service Society of Utah for over two years. She is well versed in issues related to trauma, attachment, and kinship care. She is dedicated to continually learning more about issues specific to the entire adoption constellation to support and empower those touched by adoption.

Mindy Newsome, LCSW

Mindy has worked in the field of social work since 2004 serving children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. Mindy graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2007 and a Master of Social Work in 2009 form the University of Utah’s College of Social Work. She is passionate about alleviating human suffering including trauma and its effects, especially within the environment and family system.

Tiffany Hicks, MSW

Tiffany graduated with her master’s degree in social work in 2011. She has worked as a case manager for foster care and as an adoptions social worker. She has been certified as a SAFE home study writer and supervisor. She enjoys walking alongside adoptive families and being a part of their adoption journey.

Joshua Redfern, LCSW

Josh has been doing mental health therapy and adoption-related work since he graduated with his master’s in social work in 2007. He has experience with all members of the adoption constellation. Josh strives to create a positive relationship with his clients to help them reach their goals in their individual family lives.

Justine Eggleston, LCSW

Justine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked in the social work field for 7 years helping families and individuals feel empowered in challenging circumstances. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and has a passion for working with those connected to adoption and helping all in the adoption triad feel supported in their journey.

Learn more by clicking the links below:

I’m Pregnant       – I’m Looking to Adopt         – View Waiting Families

Pregnant? Call or text us at 801-656-8527 to receive free ethical options counseling today.


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    Know an expectant parent or birth parent?  We offer free options counseling.  We can help with private, independent, and agency adoptions.  Call us at 801-656-8527.  Email at admin@cssutah.org.


    “My counselor was a god-send during my adoption.  She helped me feel informed and confident about my decisions.  She also helped me process my emotions in a way that was helpful for me and my situation.” ~ CSS birthmother

    “Our counselor was fantastic!  Her genuine concern and care really helped the entire process be extremely comfortable for us.” ~CSS adoptive parents

    “Knowing what to expect and how to work on my relationship with the adoptive parents was the most helpful to me.” ~CSS birthmother

    “The classes they have you do online makes you understand things better.” ~CSS adoptive parent

    “They were amazing to work with, helpful, and we are very happy we used CSS.” ~CSS Adoptive parent

    “We received instant access, and feedback through emails and phone calls.” ~CSS adoptive parent