Massachusetts Adoption Laws, Page 7
Infant Safe Haven Laws
Infant’s Age
Statute: Ch. 119, § 391/2
- Any newborn infant 7 days of age or less
Who May Relinquish the Infant
Statute: Ch. 119, § 391/2
- A parent
Who May Receive the Infant
Statute: Ch. 119, § 391/2
- A 'designated facility':
- Hospitals
- Police departments
- Manned fire stations
- Hospitals
Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider
Statute: Ch. 119, § 391/2- Immediately notify the department
- Make every effort to solicit the following information from the parent:
- The name of the newborn infant
- The name and address of the parent placing the infant
- The location of the infant's birthplace
- Information relevant to the infant's medical history, and his or her biological family's medical history, if available
- Any other information that might reasonably assist the department in determining the best interests of the infant
- The name of the newborn infant
Immunity for the Provider
Not addressed in statutes reviewedProtection for Relinquishing Parent
Statute: Ch. 119, § 391/2- Voluntary relinquishment shall not by itself constitute either a finding of abuse or neglect of a violation of the criminal statute for child abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
- Voluntary relinquishment shall not constitute an automatic termination of parental rights.
- The parent is not required to supply any other information requested above.
Effect on Parental Rights
Statute: Ch. 119, § 391/2- The department shall accept the infant for placement in foster care.
- The department shall initiate all actions authorized by law to achieve the safety and permanent placement of the infant in a manner consistent with the best interests of the child.
- The department shall initiate a petition to terminate parental rights.
Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)
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