What is Safe Place for Newborns? Safe Place for Newborns provides a mother, who might otherwise abandon her newborn, with the option of anonymously leaving her unharmed baby, up to 72 hours old, at the emergency room of any hospital or at a staffed fire station without fear of prosecution.
Will the mother be asked any questions, or be contacted by authorities? No authorities will be contacted and the mother's identity will not be asked. The mother will be asked if she is willing to answer a few medical background questions for the baby's records. The mother will also be asked if she would like to receive any medical care.
Why 72 hours? The newborn’s life is most vulnerable during the first hours, therefore, more urgent.
Why is there a need for Safe Place? There is an escalating crisis in the United States. Mothers are keeping their pregnancy a secret, then discarding their child after the birth. Safe Place for Newborns provides an alternative to frightened women, who, in a moment of desperation, may do something drastic.
What happens to a child left with Safe Place?
The newborn will be provided any needed medical care at a hospital. The Department of Socials Services will assume custody of the baby and follow normal child abandonment procedures.
What happens if the mother changes her mind and wants her baby back? When the mother leaves her child at a hospital, she will be given medical bracelet with a number identifying her as the baby's mother. The mother can contact Social Services, who will determine the best course of action.
What about the baby's father, or other relatives? They should contact Social Services.
If the newborn is injured or harmed, but the mother chooses to leave her newborn at a hospital or staffed fire station, could she be turned away or face prosecution? No newborn will be turned away: however, the guarantees of anonymity and freedom from prosecution only apply to those mothers bringing unharmed newborns.
Can anyone other than the mother leave a newborn without being prosecuted? Yes, if the person is acting with the mother's permission. If the newborn is unharmed, the father or immediate family can use this program within 72 hours of birth.
Can we help these women before they get to this stage? The Safe Place brochure has a section entitled, "Don't Wait---Help is Available Now." Crisis Hotline numbers are listed. We hope that women call before they have their babies effectively thwarting a crisis before it begins. We also hope that the publicity that the program has received will help young mothers realize that the community cares about them and that there is help available.
How can I help? We welcome offers to help! Want to help? Contact Safe Place at 425 486-8456
Tax deductible donations may be sent to:
Safe Place for Newborns of Washington
P O Box 1864
Bothell, WA 98041-1864
.
