South Carolina Adoption Laws, Page 7
Infant Safe Haven Laws
Infant's Age
Statute: § 20-7-85
- Not more than 30 days old
Who May Relinquish the Infant
Statute: § 20-7-85- Parent
- Person directed by parent
Who May Receive the Infant
Statute: § 20-7-85- Hospital
- Hospital outpatient facility
Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider
Statute: § 20-7-85- Provide needed medical care to protect the health and safety of the child
- Offer information to the parent about the legal effect of relinquishment
- Attempt to obtain information about the child's medical history and background
- Notify the department no later than the close of the first business day after the child has been relinquished
Immunity for the Provider
Statute: § 20-7-85
YesProtection for Relinquishing Parent
Statute: § 20-7-85- The parent is not required to disclose his or her identity.
- Any identifying information that is disclosed must be kept confidential.
- The parent is provided with immunity from prosecution for any criminal offense, as long as the child has suffered no harm.
Effect on Parental Rights
Statute: § 20-7-85
- The department has legal custody of the child.
- Abandonment is considered conclusive evidence that the requirements for termination of parental rights have been met.
- Within 48 hours, the department will file a petition to:
- Dispense with reasonable efforts
- Terminate parental rights
- A parent wishing to reunify with the child must assert parental rights at the first permanency planning hearing.
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