California Adoption Laws, Page 7

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Infant Safe Haven Laws

Infant’s Age

Statute: Penal Code § 271.5

• 72 hours or younger

Who May Relinquish the Infant

• Parent
  
• Other person having lawful custody

Who May Receive the Infant

• 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

• Provide medical care
  
• Provide the parent with a medical questionnaire
  
• Place a coded identification ankle bracelet on the child and offer a matching bracelet to the parent
  
• Notify child protective services

Immunity for the Provider

Statute: Health & Safety Code § 1255.7

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

• The department will file a dependency petition.
  
• The parent has 14 days to reclaim the child.
  
  

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)

Adoption Disruption Help

Transitions Group Home Out-of-home placement and counseling

www.transitionsgrouphome.com

Adoption Connection

Making Sure Babies are Happy. Find a loving family for your baby.

www.AdoptionConnection.org

Dove Adoptions Int'l

Dedicated to seeking the best wel- fare for the children of the world.

www.adoptions.net