Connecticut Adoption Laws, Page 7

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Infant Safe Haven Laws

Infant’s Age

Statute: § 17a-58

• 30 days or younger

Who May Relinquish the Infant

• Parent
  
• Lawful agent of the parent

Who May Receive the Infant

Statute: § 17a-57

• Any one on the nursing staff at a hospital emergency room

Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider

• Take custody of the child
  
• Request the name of the parent and medical information
  
• Notify the department within 24 hours
  
• Offer to the parent a numbered identification bracelet that links the parent to the child, and a pamphlet describing the process of relinquishment

Immunity for the Provider

Not addressed in statutes reviewed

Protection for Relinquishing Parent

• Information about the parent is kept confidential.
  
• Leaving an infant with a safe haven provider is not a violation of the law of child abandonment.

Effect on Parental Rights

• The department shall assume custody of the child, and take any action needed to achieve safety and permanency for the child.
  
• The parent or an agent for the parent may submit a request for reunification.
  

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

Adoption Disruption Help

Transitions Group Home Out-of-home placement andcounseling

www.transitionsgrouphome.com

Adoption Connection

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

www.AdoptionConnection.org

Caring for Kids Adoptions

Serving birth parents & families in Ohio. Free services to birth parents.

http://www.cfkadopt.org