TRENTON – Last month, a healthy newborn was brought to a Safe Haven site in New Jersey. This is the 74th Safe Haven surrender since the law was passed in July 2000. Due to confidentiality statutes and the promise of anonymity for the parent/s, the state will not share publicly the gender of the infant or the exact date and location of the surrender.

The Safe Haven law allows infants up to 30 days old, free of abuse or neglect, to be anonymously surrendered to staff at hospital emergency rooms, police or fire stations, and ambulance or rescue squads. Once cleared by a medical professional, surrendered infants are placed into  an adoptive home through the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

“Surrendering an infant is an incredibly selfless and courageous thing to do when life circumstances prevent the parents and family from raising the baby themselves,” said DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “The Safe Haven law provides secure and accepting spaces, with people who understand and respect the sensitive nature of these difficult decisions.”

New Jersey has a compelling, statewide Safe Haven campaign with regularly updated materials to raise awareness of the law, particularly with young women between the ages 13 and 30. In addition, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation in August requiring all New Jersey high schools to teach students about the Safe Haven law in health and physical education classes. That curriculum will begin in the 2020-2021 school year.

“The Safe Haven law saves lives,” said Carmen Diaz Petti, Assistant Commissioner for the DCF’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency. “If for any reason you cannot care for your newborn, don’t panic and do something that will hurt you and/or the baby. There are Safe Haven sites in every city and town prepared to help you. No shame, no blame, no names.”

New Jersey’s first Safe Haven surrender was in August 2000. This is the fourth Safe Haven surrender in 2019. Previous surrenders occurred in January, June and September, respectively.

For more information about the Safe Haven law, visit www.njsafehaven.org or call the Safe Haven Hotline at 1.877.839.2339.