As we all know, the first days of an infant are critical. Unfortunately, the problem of mothers abandoning their new infants, typically in unsafe places where they may not be found, is not uncommon.
Safe Haven Law Basics: In general, Safe Haven Laws allow a parent to anonymously leave an unwanted newborn baby in a safe place -- such as a hospital, emergency medical services, police station, or fire station -- and not have to worry about getting in trouble. The baby will then be given to the state's child welfare department. Fortunately, all 50 states now have Safe Haven Laws.
What is being done at the national level? President Bush signed the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001 (HR 2873) enabling states to use resources to prevent child abuse and infant neglect. It requires the Secretary of US Dept. of Health & Human Services to report to Congress. Stay on top of this in your state.
Contact these Safe Haven Organizations for more information:
Florida -- A Gloria Silverio Foundation - www.asafehavenfornewborns.com
Illinois -- Save Abandoned Babies - www.saveabandonedbabies.org Hotline 888-510-BABY (2229)
Texas -- Baby Moses Project - www.babymoses.org
Project Cuddle -- www.projectcuddle.org
