A baby boy born on May 25 has been safely surrendered under Iowa’s Safe Haven Law and is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
State officials say the infant will be placed with a foster family while arrangements are made for a permanent placement. The surrender marks the 81st infant safely relinquished under Iowa’s Safe Haven Act since the law took effect more than 20 years ago.
The Safe Haven Law provides an option for parents facing a crisis who believe they are unable to care for an infant up to 90 days old. Under the law, a parent may safely surrender a child at designated locations, including hospitals, police departments, and fire stations, without facing prosecution for abandonment, provided the child has not been abused.
Once a child is surrendered, Iowa Health and Human Services assumes custody and works to place the infant in a licensed foster home while pursuing a permanent adoptive placement.
State officials say the law has helped protect dozens of newborns over the past two decades by providing a safe and legal alternative for parents in difficult circumstances.
Those interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents can find more information through Iowa’s foster and adoption program. Additional information about Iowa’s Safe Haven Law is available through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.