Ireneparalegal
08-04-2006, 05:23 PM
This is a law here in California that offers safe havens to leave your newborn baby if you don't want to keep your child or can't keep your child for whatever reason. You can leave your baby at a fire station, hospital, some doctors' offices and other locations NO QUESTIONS ASKED. This is to try and curb the many babies that are abandoned or tossed away (many are found dead) in the trash dumpsters or other places.
I believe this law is something that is needed. With so many young girls who hide their pregnancies and can't keep their child (regardless of the circumstances of their pregnancy) this gives the child a chance at a life and to be adopted, rather than be thrown out and/or killed. Of course, this law isn't just for teen girls, it's for anyone who wants to safely surrender their newborn.
http://library.adoption.com/Infant-Safe-Haven-Laws/Infant-Safe-Haven-Laws-California/article/8461/1.html
Infant Safe Haven Laws- California
Infant's Age
Statute: Penal Code § 271.5
72 hours or younger
Who May Relinquish the Infant
Statute: Penal Code § 271.5
Parent
Other person having lawful custody
Who May Receive the Infant
Statute: Penal Code § 271.5
A safe-surrender site that includes:
Public or private hospital
Any location designated by the County Board of Supervisors
Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider
Statute: Health & Safety Code § 1255.7
Provide medical care
Provide parent with medical questionnaire
Place coded identification ankle bracelet on child and offer a matching bracelet to the parent
Notify Child Protective Services
Immunity for the Provider
Statute: Health & Safety Code § 1255.7
Yes
Protection for Relinquishing Parent
Statute: Penal Code § 271.5
No person leaving an infant with a safe haven provider may be prosecuted for abandonment, failure to provide, or desertion
Effect on Parental Rights
Statute: Health & Safety Code § 1255.7
Department will file dependency petition
Parent has 14 days to reclaim child
I believe this law is something that is needed. With so many young girls who hide their pregnancies and can't keep their child (regardless of the circumstances of their pregnancy) this gives the child a chance at a life and to be adopted, rather than be thrown out and/or killed. Of course, this law isn't just for teen girls, it's for anyone who wants to safely surrender their newborn.
http://library.adoption.com/Infant-Safe-Haven-Laws/Infant-Safe-Haven-Laws-California/article/8461/1.html
Infant Safe Haven Laws- California
Infant's Age
Statute: Penal Code § 271.5
72 hours or younger
Who May Relinquish the Infant
Statute: Penal Code § 271.5
Parent
Other person having lawful custody
Who May Receive the Infant
Statute: Penal Code § 271.5
A safe-surrender site that includes:
Public or private hospital
Any location designated by the County Board of Supervisors
Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider
Statute: Health & Safety Code § 1255.7
Provide medical care
Provide parent with medical questionnaire
Place coded identification ankle bracelet on child and offer a matching bracelet to the parent
Notify Child Protective Services
Immunity for the Provider
Statute: Health & Safety Code § 1255.7
Yes
Protection for Relinquishing Parent
Statute: Penal Code § 271.5
No person leaving an infant with a safe haven provider may be prosecuted for abandonment, failure to provide, or desertion
Effect on Parental Rights
Statute: Health & Safety Code § 1255.7
Department will file dependency petition
Parent has 14 days to reclaim child