CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation today announced the launch of a new campaign designed to immediately connect the public to lifesaving information about the Illinois Newborn Infant Protection Act, commonly referred to as the Baby Safe Haven Law.
This critical law provides parents in crisis with a safe, anonymous and legal alternative to infant abandonment. Under the law, a parent may hand an unharmed newborn, up to 30 days old, to staff at a designated safe haven and walk away – no questions asked and without fear of prosecution.
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In Illinois, safe havens are hospitals, emergency medical care facilities, police stations, firehouses, college and university police stations and Illinois State Police district headquarters.
The relinquishing parent is offered information about their rights, the Illinois Adoption Registry and postpartum health resources. However, a parent in distress may decline or misplace the packet during an overwhelming and emotional time.
To bridge the gap, Illinois DCFS is mailing weatherproof stickers to every safe haven in the state with instructions to place them onto their building’s safe haven sign. The stickers feature a universal QR code that provides quick, discreet access to information and confidential support for expectant or new parents in crisis through the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation’s website (saveabandonedbabies.org).
“Parents in crisis should know that Illinois has a safe, legal option when they are unable to care for a newborn,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. “By adding digital access to existing safe haven signs, we are turning them into lifelines – letting parents know they are not alone, that help is available and they can make a safe plan for their newborn instead of abandonment. Illinois DCFS is pleased to partner with the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation to further our mission of supporting parents in crisis so their children can thrive.”
“For 25 years we have been working with Illinois DCFS to prevent illegal abandonment of infants,” said Save Abandoned Babies Foundation Executive Chairperson Dawn M. Geras. “These QR code stickers increase the opportunity to make a life-or-death difference for the youngest, most vulnerable of all, a newborn baby.”
Since its enactment in 2001, 151 infants have been safely relinquished under the Baby Safe Haven Law and are now living in loving adoptive families.
To view, print and share brochures, posters and other materials visit dcfs.illinois.gov and click “Baby Safe Haven Law Information” under the Protecting Kids heading.
For more information about the Baby Safe Haven Law or to learn how you can take a more active role in preventing infant abandonment, contact the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation by email at info@saveabandonedbabies.org or call 312-440-0229.
About the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) - Our vision is for every child and youth in Illinois to grow and thrive in a loving family. To achieve this goal, DCFS promotes the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families by responding to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and providing family-centered care and connection to resources to strengthen families and keep children safely at home. Our values – family focused, integrity, respect, empathy and equity – are at the forefront of every decision we make to ensure children are safe and families have the resources they need to succeed. To make an anonymous report of suspected child abuse or neglect, visit childabuse.illinois.gov.
The Save Abandoned Babies Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing the illegal abandonment of newborns by raising awareness of the safe, legal options available under the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act. For more information, visit SaveAbandonedBabies.org.
