{"id":351589,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/adoption\/safe-haven-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-08-31T10:19:15","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T15:19:15","slug":"safe-haven-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/safe-haven-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Safe Haven Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Safe Haven Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lark-lewis-j-d\/\">Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/rhonda-earhart-esq\/\">Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            August 31, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Safe haven laws ensure birth mothers have a safe and hazard-free location to leave their child. Under these laws, birth mothers can leave their child in designated places like hospitals or churches without any criminal charges.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>States have enacted&nbsp;safe haven laws&nbsp;to help stop mothers from leaving their abandoned babies in unsafe locations. These laws allow mothers to leave their unwanted babies in designated places such as hospitals or churches without fearing criminal charges.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/pubPDFs\/safehaven.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Safe haven laws<\/a>, also known as &quot;<a href=\"https:\/\/supreme.findlaw.com\/legal-commentary\/the-adoptability-of-abandoned-babies.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Baby Moses laws<\/a>,&quot; serve a dual purpose:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>To protect unwanted babies from potential harm and safety hazards<\/li>\r\n<li>To provide parents with an alternative to child abandonment charges<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Every state has a safe haven law, but state laws vary on the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Age limits<\/li>\r\n<li>The individuals who may surrender a child<\/li>\r\n<li>Circumstances required to relinquish an infant child<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Parents can leave newborns in safe places without disclosing their identity or being subject to questions in most cases. This article discusses the differences between states&#8217; safe haven acts.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Conditions for Relinquishing a Baby<\/h2>\r\n<p>Infant safe haven laws&nbsp;vary depending on the state. For instance, the age of the newborn child that may be relinquished&nbsp;depends on the state.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some states limit the age of newborn children to infants who are 72 hours old or younger. A few states that have this law include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Alabama (Note: In 2023, the law was amended to expand the length of time in which you may surrender an infant to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.al.com\/news\/2023\/06\/new-alabama-law-authorizes-safe-haven-boxes-to-surrender-infants-at-fire-stations.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">45 days<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>California<\/li>\r\n<li>Hawaii<\/li>\r\n<li>Wisconsin<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and Vermont accept infants up to 30 days of age.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Who Can Leave Unwanted Infants<\/h2>\r\n<p>States also determine&nbsp;who<i>&nbsp;<\/i>may leave unwanted babies in a designated location. The usual person is the child&#8217;s mother. Depending on state laws, sometimes the father has this right.<\/p>\r\n<p>Additionally, some states (Arizona and Utah) allow someone other than a parent to relinquish a child.<\/p>\r\n<p>However, the individual must have the parent&#8217;s approval. In&nbsp;states including&nbsp;California and New York, you must be the parent or have legal custody of the child to do so.<\/p>\r\n<p>A handful of states do not specify the surrendering person&#8217;s relationship to the infant. These states include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Delaware<\/li>\r\n<li>Nebraska<\/li>\r\n<li>Maine<\/li>\r\n<li>South Carolina<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Look up the law to learn about specific conditions under the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lozierinstitute.org\/safe-haven-laws-an-invitation-to-life\/#_ftn13\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">safe haven laws of your state.<\/a>&nbsp;As some states have amended their laws within the past several years, be sure to verify current law under your state&#8217;s code.<\/p>\r\n<p>Most states provide FAQ pages and helplines to answer birth parents&#8217; questions about leaving their child at a safe haven.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Designated Safe Haven Locations<\/h2>\r\n<p>Leaving a baby somewhere with no one around does not qualify under any state&#8217;s safe haven act. If you leave your newborn infant in places that aren&#8217;t safe havens, you could face charges for infant abandonment.<\/p>\r\n<p>Most states outline locations considered &quot;safe havens.&quot; These are safe places where the law applies. These examples include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Hospitals\/Health care clinics\/other medical facilities<\/li>\r\n<li>Police stations<\/li>\r\n<li>Fire stations<\/li>\r\n<li>Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)<\/li>\r\n<li>Churches<\/li>\r\n<li>&quot;Baby box&quot; locations<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Safety Standards for Safe Haven Locations<\/h2>\r\n<p>To qualify as a safe haven, the site must be a safe place for newborns. States emphasize that parents must relinquish unwanted infants to a place where the infant can receive immediate medical care.<\/p>\r\n<p>The need for medical services makes healthcare facilities ideal for safe-haven babies.<\/p>\r\n<p>Furthermore, depending on the state, safe haven service providers must take the infant into custody and seek or provide any necessary medical care. They may also be required to do the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Immediately call the Child Protective Services hotline<\/li>\r\n<li>Inform the birth parents that by surrendering the child, they are releasing the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption.html\">child for adoption<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Inform the birth parents that the authorities will make reasonable efforts to locate the non-relinquishing parent&nbsp;and ask the parent to release the name of the other parent if they&#8217;re not present<\/li>\r\n<li>Encourage the birth parents to provide relevant family or medical history\/medical information<\/li>\r\n<li>Transfer the child to hospital staff&nbsp;if the safe haven is not a hospital<\/li>\r\n<li>Have the child examined by a physician&nbsp;if the safe haven is a hospital<\/li>\r\n<li>Notify a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/the-different-types-of-adoption.html\">child-placing agency<\/a>&nbsp;that will arrange foster care or contact adoptive parents<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>States typically give immunity to safe haven providers for anything that might happen to an infant in their care unless there is evidence of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/gross-negligence.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gross negligence<\/a>&nbsp;or child abuse.<\/p>\r\n<p>Depending on the state, the Department of Children &amp; Family Services will investigate child abuse reports. This department is sometimes called the Department of Children and Families,&nbsp;Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or something similar.<\/p>\r\n<h2>What Happens When I Relinquish an Unwanted Baby?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Relinquishing an unwanted baby to the care of a safe haven provider relieves you of any criminal liability and your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/parental-rights-and-liability\/termination-of-parental-rights.html\">parental rights to the child<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>In some states, like Tennessee and Texas, you may be requested to provide your name and family medical history when relinquishing a child. In both states, this information may be requested but is not required to be provided&nbsp;by the parent.<\/p>\r\n<p>Most states, including Arkansas, Maine, and Wisconsin, keep this information confidential for the parent. However, a person who relinquishes an infant could face criminal liability if there is evidence of child abuse or neglect.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Safe Haven Infants and Adoption<\/h2>\r\n<p>You also have the right to be informed by safe haven staff that by surrendering the child, you are releasing the child for adoption.<\/p>\r\n<p>You also have the right to be told that you can petition the court in your state (within a set period, often 28 or 30 days) to regain custody if you change your mind.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Non-Relinquishing Parent&#8217;s Rights<\/h2>\r\n<p>In most states, a child-placing agency must make &quot;reasonable efforts&quot; to identify and locate the non-relinquishing parent.<\/p>\r\n<p>The agency posts a notice in a publication, such as a newspaper, in the county where the parent surrendered the child.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Controversies in Safe Haven Laws<\/h2>\r\n<p>Safe haven laws have undergone significant&nbsp;controversy. Critics believe that safe haven laws encourage easy baby disposal.<\/p>\r\n<p>In contrast, supporters believe the laws encourage safe surrenders and protect unwanted babies from becoming abandoned babies who might end up in dumpsters or along public roads.<\/p>\r\n<p>These supporters also advocate that such laws prevent infanticide. Infanticide is killing an infant, usually by the mother, within one year of the infant&#8217;s birth.<\/p>\r\n<p>Furthermore, some critics argue that if the laws are too broad (like those previously in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/nebraska-law\/nebraska-adoption-laws.html\">Nebraska<\/a>), states will end up with unintended consequences. Some consequences include parents who leave older children and problem teenagers at doorsteps.<\/p>\r\n<p>Even so, each state has codified its own infant safe haven laws.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Reclaiming Custody<\/h2>\r\n<p>Some states allow birth parents who change their minds to reclaim custody of a relinquished child within a specific time after the surrender. The procedure for reclaiming custody varies by state.<\/p>\r\n<p>The procedure is typically initiated by filing an action with the court for custody. The court will then determine custody based on the child&#8217;s best interest.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Do Safe Haven Laws Protect You? Get an Attorney&#8217;s Help<\/h2>\r\n<p>You may be facing circumstances that make giving up your baby necessary. You should&nbsp;know what the safe haven laws in your state are before you make that decision.<\/p>\r\n<p>Most states have a statewide, toll-free helpline staffed with staff members&nbsp;who can help answer your questions confidentially. However, consider hiring representation that advocates for you to fully understand your parental rights.<\/p>\r\n<p>A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a>&nbsp;can explain the law and keep your information confidential. They may also be able to offer alternatives, such as placing the baby with an adoption agency following birth.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n        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12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n 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was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    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     class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    It is a good idea to have an attorney for complex adoptions\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can ensure you meet all legal requirements and that your adoption is finalized appropriately\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can help protect the best interests of adoptive children, adoptive families, and birth parents\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    For simple adoptions, you may be able to do the paperwork on your own or by using an agency\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice at any point in the adoption process. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL24\" title=\"Family Law Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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Take the time to add new beneficiaries to your will and name a guardian for any minor children. Consider creating a financial power of attorney so your agent can pay bills and make sure your children are provided for. A health care directive explains your health care decisions and takes the decision-making burden off your children when they become adults.<\/span><\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Safe haven laws allow unwanted babies to be left in designated locations without fear of being charged with a crime. 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