What is Safe Haven?
In Maryland, no one ever has to abandon a newborn baby. Under the Safe Haven law, a distressed parent who is unable or unwilling to care for their infant can safely give up custody of their baby, no questions asked. Newborns can be left at hospitals or law enforcement stations, some of which are listed below. Download a brochure for more information.
A parent (or another adult with the approval of the mother) has up to 10 days from the birth to invoke Safe Haven anonymously and safely leave a baby with a responsible adult at a designated location. A person who invokes Safe Haven is immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution provided the child is unharmed.
If you have questions about Maryland’s Safe Haven law, call the Department of Human Resources at 800-332-6347 or your local department of social services.
How the safe haven Baby Box Works
- Parent opens the door to the baby box and a silent alarm is triggered and a call goes to dispatch.
- Parent places the baby in the bassinet. A sensor is located on the inside of the box that triggers a second call dispatch call.
- Parent can push a button or simply close the door, which sets off a third alarm and call to dispatch and locks the exterior door.
- Emergency personnel retrieves the baby from the inside, evaluates, and takes the baby to the hospital.
Source for Content: Safe Haven Baby Box and DHS Maryland
