The purpose of the safe haven laws is to make sure that infants are left with someone who can provide for the child, a safe haven. A safe haven is where a parent or a legal guardian may surrender a baby and not risk prosecution for abandonment or neglect all while remaining anonymous. Each state is different as to who can surrender a child and what constitutes a safe haven location. Safe haven providers are protected from liability for anything that might happen to the baby while in their care, unless evidence of neglect can be found on the part of the safe haven provider.
Many states require that a relinquished infant is left at a hospital, while other states designate emergency medical services, police stations, and fire stations. Some states allow churches to be safe havens, but the parent must first determine that the church staff is present at the time that the infant is left.
The safe haven provider assumes emergency protective custody of the infant and must get medical care for the infant. Several states require that the safe haven transport the infant to the hospital as soon as possible. The provider is to also notify the child welfare department. Once social services are notified the child assumes custody of the infant.
Some states require that the safe haven provider ask the parent for family and medical history, while other states require that the safe haven provide documentation regarding legal liability of abandonment of the child. A few states provide a copy of the infant's identification bracelet so that the parent can use it as a way to link the parent to the child if reunification is desirable at a later date.
