Safe Haven Law
- Frequently Asked Questions -
Q. What does the law mean by "Safe Haven"?
A. "Safe Haven" refers to a designated emergency care facility where a parent may anonymously leave his/her infant child, with the intent of placing the child for adoption, without fear of prosecution. It is important to note that the infant must be left in the care of an individual at a designated emergency care facility without a statement of an intention that someone will return for the child. If the baby is left unattended, for instance on a doorstep or in a bathroom, it will not meet the criteria for a safe haven relinquishment. This law gives parents a mechanism to safely and anonymously relinquish the care of their newborn to the state without fear of prosecution.
Back to Top
Q. What qualifies as a "designated emergency care facility"?
A. A "designated emergency care facility" includes any of the following:
- Licensed Hospital in Louisiana
- Public Health Unit
- Emergency Medical Service Provider
- Medical Clinic
- Fire Station
- Police Station
- Pregnancy Crisis Center
- Child Advocacy Center
Back to Top
Q. What happens to the baby after he or she is surrendered?
A. If a child is relinquished to a person at a designated emergency care facility other than a hospital, the child will be immediately brought to a hospital for medical assessment and treatment. After a child is received, a representative of the designated emergency care facility shall immediately notify the Department of Social Services/Office of Community Services of the relinquishment. Upon notification, the Department of Social Services/Office of Community Services will initiate legal proceedings to obtain custody of the child. After being discharged from the hospital, the state will take custody of the child and initiate legal proceedings to free the child for adoption.
Back to Top
Q. What happens to the parent who relinquishes the child?
A. When a parent relinquishes a child under the guidelines of the Safe Haven Law, he/she is not guilty of a criminal act of neglect, abandonment or child cruelty. At the time of relinquishment, the parent is given a card with a toll-free number, 1-800-CHILDREN, which he/she can call to find out more about his/her rights and also to anonymously give information about the infant’s medical/genetic history.
Back to Top
Q. What happens if the parent who relinquishes the child changes his/her mind?
A. The relinquishing parent has 30 days to seek to reclaim parental rights of the infant. They are to contact the local parish Office of Community Services for additional information.
Back to Top
Q. Where can people call for additional information regarding the Safe Haven Law?
A. They can call toll-free 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373) or your local Parish Office of Community Services.
Entire Safe Haven Law contained in LA Children’s Code Chapter 13, Articles 1149-1160
Office of Community Services - Parish Offices -
Office of Community Services
- 24 Hour Child Protection Hotlines -
| Caddo |
(318) 676-7622 |
| Calcasieu |
(337) 491-2545 |
| Caldwell |
(318) 362-5311 |
| Cameron |
(337) 491-2545 |
| East Baton Rouge |
(225) 925-4571 |
| Iberia |
1-800-883-4480 |
| Jefferson (East Bank) |
(504) 736-7033 |
|
Jefferson (West Bank) |
(504) 361-6083 |
|
Lafayette
(24 hour, wkend, holiday only) |
(337) 262-5244 |
|
Orleans |
(504) 680-9000 or
(504) 680-9001 |
| Ouachita |
(318) 362-5311 |
| Rapides |
(318) 487-5116 |
|
Terrebonne
(24 hour, wkend, holiday only) |
(985) 857-3634 |
| Vernon |
(337) 238-3098 |
|
|
Back to Top
Designated Emergency Care Facilities - Institution Employees Only
 |
Select the poster
of your choice to
see a larger version
in Adobe |
 |
|
20,638KB File |
|
18,769KB File | |
