The state of Illinois enacted its Safe Haven law in 2001. The law allows a parent to relinquish custody of a baby up to seven days old with no questions asked and no repercussions. The baby is then placed with an adoption agency.

"New signs were unveiled last week that will identify safe havens across the community and the state. The hospitals, fire stations and other safe haven facilities will display the 18-by-18-inch signs depicting a baby's head nestled in an open hand."

Since the law's inception in 2001, a total of 41 babies have been taken to Illinois safe haven locations. Out of those, 36 were relinquished, three moms decided to keep their babies, and two decided to develop adoption plans for their kids. Source: The Beacon News (Aurora, Illinois)

Labels: laws, safe_houses, newborns

Posted By: Aspen Education Group