The bill amends the Safe Haven for Infants Act to introduce "safe haven baby boxes" at designated safe haven sites, such as hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and fire stations. These boxes are designed to allow parents to anonymously surrender infants, defined as children no more than ninety days old, without facing criminal prosecution for abandonment or abuse. The bill outlines procedures for relinquishing an infant, including the option for parents to remain anonymous unless there is suspected child abuse or neglect. It also establishes that if parents do not contact the Children, Youth and Families Department within ninety days of relinquishing the infant, the department is required to file a motion to terminate parental rights.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the safe haven site must inform the department upon receiving an infant and provides guidelines for the department's responsibilities, including conducting investigations and ensuring the infant's eligibility for Medicaid benefits. The bill also clarifies that the requirements for notifying relatives do not apply to infants left at safe haven sites or in baby boxes, thereby streamlining the process for these specific cases. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the safety and welfare of infants while providing parents with a secure option for relinquishing their children.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 24-22-2, 24-22-3, 24-22-4, 24-22-5, 32A-4-17.1