The bill amends the Safe Haven for Infants Act to allow parents to anonymously relinquish infants in a "safe haven baby box" located at designated safe haven sites, such as hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and fire stations. It establishes that parents who relinquish their infants are not subject to criminal prosecution for abandonment or abuse, provided the infant is relinquished in a safe condition. The bill also specifies 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 provides immunity for safe haven sites that install and maintain these baby boxes.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Children, Youth and Families Department, including the requirement to inform parents about the implications of relinquishing their infants, such as the presumption of abandonment and the potential termination of parental rights if no contact is made within the specified timeframe. It also emphasizes the importance of developing procedures for safe haven sites to ensure proper medical care for relinquished infants and mandates public outreach to educate the community about the Safe Haven for Infants Act. The bill clarifies that the notice requirements for relatives do not apply to infants relinquished at safe haven sites.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 24-22-2, 24-22-3, 24-22-4, 24-22-5, 24-22-8, 32A-4-17.1