Virginia Adoption Laws, Page 7
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Infant Safe Haven Laws
Infant’s Age
Statute: § 48.195
- 72 hours old or younger
Who May Relinquish the Infant
Statute: § 48.195- Parent
Who May Receive the Infant
Statute: § 48.195- Law enforcement officer
- Emergency medical technician
- Hospital staff member
- Sheriff's office
- Police station
- Fire station
Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider
Statute: § 48.195- Take any action necessary to protect the child's health and safety
- Deliver the child to an intake worker within 24 hours
- Provide a toll-free number to the parent regarding health care services and providers
- Within 5 days, file a birth certificate for the child
Immunity for the Provider
Statute: § 48.195Yes
Protection for Relinquishing Parent
Statute: § 48.195
- The parent has the right to remain anonymous.
- The parent, and any person who assists the parent in the relinquishment, are provided immunity from civil and criminal liability for abandonment or neglect.
- The immunity includes immunity for exercising the right to remain anonymous.
Effect on Parental Rights
Statute: § 48.415- The court may grant involuntary termination of parental rights on the grounds that custody has been relinquished.
Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)
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