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 ADOPTION AGENCY EMS PROVIDER (MUST BE LEFT WITH A STAFF MEMBER) |
AGE: 3 DAYS OR YOUNGER |
ANONYMITY
AND LEGAL PROTECTION GRANTED |
Ann. Code 43-15-201; 43-15-207
Infant’s Age
Citation: Ann. Code § 43-15-201
An infant who is72 hours old or younger may be relinquished.
Who May Relinquish the Infant
Citation: Ann. Code § 43-15-201
A child is relinquished when the child is voluntarily delivered to the provider by the child’s parent and the parent did not express an intent to return for the child.
Who May Receive the Infant
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 43-15-201; 43-15-207
The child may be delivered to an emergency medical services provider. The term ‘emergency medical services provider’ means a licensed hospital that operates an emergency department or a licensed adoption agency.
An emergency medical services provider does not include the offices, clinics, surgeries, or treatment facilities of private physicians or dentists. No individual licensed health-care provider, including physicians, dentists, nurses, physician assistants, or other health professionals shall be deemed to be an emergency medical services provider unless such individual voluntarily assumes responsibility for the custody of the child.
Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 43-15-201; 43-15-203
An emergency medical services provider, without a court order, shall take possession of a newborn who is voluntarily delivered to the provider by the child’s parent and the parent did not express an intent to return for the child.
An emergency medical services provider who takes possession of a child shall perform any act necessary to protect the physical health or safety of the child.
No later than the close of the first business day after the date on which an emergency medical services provider takes possession of a child, theprovider shall notify the Department of Human Services.
Immunity for the Provider
Citation: Ann. Code § 43-15-209
A person or entity taking possession of a child under the provisions of this article shall be immune from liability for any civil action arising out of any act or omission resulting from taking possession of the child unless the act or omission was the result of the person’s or entity’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Protection for Relinquishing Parent
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 43-15-201; 43-15-205
The parent who surrenders the baby shall not be required to provide any information pertaining to his or her identity, nor shall the emergency medical services provider inquire as to same. If the identity of the parent is known to the emergency medical services provider, the emergency medical services provider shall keep the identity confidential.
A female presenting herself to a hospital through the emergency room or otherwise, who is subsequently admitted for purposes of labor and delivery, does not give up the legal protections or anonymity guaranteed under this section.
If the mother clearly expresses a desire to voluntarily surrender custody of the newborn after birth, the emergency medical services provider can take possession of the child, without further action by the mother, as if the child had been presented to the emergency medical services provider in the same manner outlined above.
If the mother expresses a desire to remain
anonymous, identifying information may be obtained for purposes of securing payment of labor and delivery costs only. If the birth
mother is a minor, the hospital may use the identifying information to secure payment through Medicaid but shall not notify the minor’s
parent or guardian without the minor’s consent.
The identity of the birth mother shall not be placed on the birth certificate or disclosed
to the Department of Human Services.
Relinquishment to a safe haven is an affirmative defense to prosecution for abandonment, neglect, or exposure of the child.
Effect on Parental Rights
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 43-15-201; 43-15-203
There is a presumption that by relinquishing a child in accordance with this section, the parent consents to the termination of his or her parental rights with respect to the child. As such, the parent waives the right to notification required by subsequent court proceedings.
The Department of Human Services shall assume control and custody of the child.