Local Cops Are Ready To Accept Babies

Local Cops Are Ready To Accept Babies By Sandy Cooch

We have all heard the stories: Baby found abandoned on a doorstep, or in a basket, or in a public restroom, or even a dumpster.

Vermont has come up with a better way—the Baby Safe Haven Law—to make sure that babies who can’t be cared for by their parents safely land in the hands of people who can.

The law, approved by the Vermont legislature last spring, makes it legal for parents to give up their babies, anonymously, at designated "safe havens" throughout the state. Those havens include any fire or police station, place of worship, health care facility, or adoption agency. To be covered by the law, the person must physically hand the baby to a volunteer or employee of the "haven."

Randolph police have educated themselves on the provisions of the law and are prepared, if the need arises, to accept an infant and contact the proper authorities, according to Chief Krakowiecki.

"If the situation is such that you cannot care for your baby, if giving your baby to us is a better solution for yourself and the baby, by all means, don’t hesitate to do so," the chief commented.

Under the law, any person can bring a baby up to 30 days old to a safe haven, or alternatively, arrange through 911 to meet with an emergency responder who will receive the baby.

These "receivers" will first make sure the baby gets any needed medical care, and then contact the state Department of Children and Families, which will find a pre-adoptive home.

Those giving up a baby may provide a medical history, anonymously, if they wish. Depending on which kind of safe haven they come to, parents may also be offered support services, which they may accept or decline.

Those who are uncertain about what to do can call 1-800-649-4357, for information on options.

Information on support services is also available, including help in finding pre-natal care and transportation to it, or in contacting an adoption agency. Those who choose to keep their babies can also call this number to find out about financial and other kinds of support available.

According to state guidelines, employees and volunteers of safe havens should be aware that they "may receive a baby at any time." The guidelines also note that those at havens who accept babies are immune from civil or criminal liability for actions taken to fulfill duties under the law.

More information is available the toll-free number listed above, and at the website babysafe haven.vermont.gov.

The Baby Safe Haven program is managed by the Vermont Agency of Human Services.

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