The following calls are to be expeditiously forwarded to and handled by Nick Silverio, Founder at 786-413-2570.
· All calls regarding A Safe Haven for Newborns in Florida, except for basic needs.
· Hiding their pregnancy…Anonymity issues
· If the law does not grant anonymity
· Unsure of what to do…the Safe Haven option vs Adoption
· Assistance navigating thru
the entire pregnancy
· Wanting to utilize the Safe Haven option
· Process to reclaim a newborn left at a Safe Haven facility
· Adoption issues
· Requesting signage/decals/collateral materials
· For Safe Haven facilities personnel
only…Safe Haven for Newborns Web based Certification is offered to all 50 states, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Please
encourage their participation and connect them to Nick Silverio, Founder at 786-413-2570……safehaven@asafehavenfornewborns.com.........www.asafehavenfornewborns.com
· Caller is interested in volunteer opportunities or donating to A Safe Haven for Newborns.
· Any other question(s), issues not previously addressed or when in doubt.
We are dedicated to saving the lives of precious newborns, WHATEVER IT TAKES, as every life is precious.
We assist the pregnant
woman or mother in a compassionate way to receive the help and support she needs.
REMEMBER, It is the Law-the baby MUST be
given to a staff member at a Safe Haven facility. Tell them you are leaving the baby with “Safe Haven”.
ANONYMITY -We respect and protect
the callers right to anonymity at all times.
MEDICAL HISTORY- Asking for and the mother providing medical history information is optional.
|
SAFE
HAVEN PROVIDERS: HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE PROVIDER FIRE STATION (MUST BE LEFT WITH A STAFF MEMBER) |
AGE: 31 DAYS OR YOUNGER |
ANONYMITY AND LEGAL PROTECTION GRANTED |
Ann. Stat. Title 17-A; 553(3) & Title 22, 4018
Infant’s
Age
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4018
A child who is younger than 31 days old may be relinquished.
Who May Relinquish the Infant
Citation:
Ann. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4018
The child may be delivered to a safe haven provider by any person.
Who May Receive the Infant
Citation: Ann.
Stat. Tit. 22, § 4018
The child may be delivered to a safe haven provider. The term ‘safe haven provider’ means:
• A law enforcement
officer
• Staff at a medical emergency room
• A medical services provider, including, but not limited to a:
• Physician
• Nurse
• Podiatrist
• Optometrist
• Chiropractor
• Physical
therapist
• Dentist
• Psychologist
• Physician’s assistant
• Emergency medical services person
• A hospital staff member
Responsibilities
of the Safe Haven Provider
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4018
A person who voluntarily delivers a child less than 31 days of age to a safe haven provider and who does not express an intent to return for the child may be requested to provide information helpful to the welfare of the child. The person who accepts a child may not detain the person delivering the child to obtain information.
A safe haven provider who accepts a child shall promptly notify the Department of Human Services of the delivery of the child, transfer the child to the department at the earliest opportunity, and provide to the department all information provided by the person delivering the child to the safe haven provider. The department shall establish guidelines to assist safe haven providers concerning procedures when a child is delivered to a safe haven provider.
Immunity for the Provider
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4018
A person or entity who accepts a child or provides temporary custody of a child is not subject to civil, criminal, or administrative liability for accepting the child or providing temporary custody of the child in the good-faith belief that the action is required or authorized by this section. This subsection does not affect liability for personal injury or wrongful death, including but not limited to injury resulting from medical malpractice.
Protection for Relinquishing Parent
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 17-A, § 553(3); Title 22, § 4018
All personally identifiable information provided by the person delivering the child to a safe haven provider is confidential and may not be disclosed by the safe haven provider to anyone except to the extent necessary to provide temporary custody of the child until the child is transferred to the department and except as otherwise provided by court order. All health-care or other information obtained by a safe haven provider in providing temporary custody of the child may also be provided to the department upon request.
It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution for child abandonment if, at the time the offense occurred:
• The child was younger than 31 days old.
• The child was delivered to a safe haven provider.
Effect on Parental Rights
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.