Illinois “Safe Haven” Law Protects Abandoned Newborns
By: Alex Rechenmacher

In 2001, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act (“ANIPA”) as a way to offer protection to the children and the parents of newborn children in difficult situations. Under the law, parents of newborn children can surrender their child within 30 days of birth to certain locations throughout the state without prosecution and with anonymity.

With the horror stories in the news of newborns facing severe injury or even death if abandoned by parents who cannot care for the child, the Illinois legislature encourages these parents to give the child instead to a hospital, fire station or other medical facility without fear of negative consequences.

At these locations, staff are responsible for accepting the infant and providing necessary medical care to ensure his or her safety, as well as checking for signs of abuse. The workers are then required to offer an information packet to the surrendering person which contains written materials regarding adoption options, notice of the process for termination of parental rights and a list of counselors.

Surrendering the child is not considered consent to lose your parental rights, but personnel at these locations inform the parents that they will need to petition the Court to regain custody or avoid losing those rights. Neither is surrendering the child to one of these locations considered to be abuse or neglect of the child. The goal of ANIPA is to provide a “safe haven” for young families in trouble.

“No Shame. No Blame. No Names.”

Visit the Illinois DCFS web site for more information, including posters and brochures on this helpful program or visit the program’s web site at http://www.saveabandonedbabies.org