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 parents to relinquish infants safely, including the option to remain anonymous unless there is suspected child abuse or neglect. Additionally, it 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.

The bill also includes provisions for the responsibilities of the Children, Youth and Families Department, emphasizing that it shall be deemed not in the infant's best interest to reunify with parents unless they reach out within the specified time frame. The department is tasked with conducting investigations upon receiving reports of infants left at safe haven sites or in baby boxes, ensuring that the relinquishment does not constitute abandonment or abuse. Furthermore, the bill mandates public outreach to educate the community about the Safe Haven for Infants Act and ensures that infants left in accordance with the act are presumptively eligible for Medicaid benefits.

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