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The Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act - Safe Have Information
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SB335 has been passed, Illinois is now a Safe Haven State.
The Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act allows a parent to anonymously place his or her newborn infant in the care
and custody of a safe haven location. The Act allows parents a safe alternative when unable to provide basic needs for
their newborn. The law also provides immunity from prosecution for parents who hand over their unharmed newborn to a safe
haven as long as the terms are followed.
The definition of a newborn is an infant 7 days or younger.
Relinquish means, leaving the infant with personnel of a designated safe haven location.
If terms are followed the infant will be accepted with no questions asked and providers will follow procedures
that their department has adopted in accordance to the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act. If left at a staffed police or fire station the newborn infant will be examined according to procedure.
If there is no sign of abuse or neglect the child will then be transported to the nearest hospital for further examination.
If there are signs of abuse or neglect law enforcement officials will be notified.
Hospitals are require to report relinquished newborn infants to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) State Central Registry
(1-800-252-2873) within 12 hours of acceptance of the infant.
Temporary protective custody of the newborn infant will belong to the hospital, and the infant will be examined by an emergency room doctor,
as well as given medical treatment if needed. If there is no sign of abuse present to the infant, there will be no attempt to make communication or find location
of the birth parent(s).
For more information concerning Illinois' Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act please visit:
Illinois Safe Haven -Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act.
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