The birth of a child is a momentous occasion in a person’s life. However, the stark reality is that not everyone who gives birth is to a child is capable of caring for them.
The MO Safe Place for Newborns Act provides a parent(s) the option of giving up custody without having to release identifying information about the child and or the parent(s) and prohibits any officer, employee or agent of the state from attempting to disclose or determine the identity of the parent except in certain cases. (NOTE: All 50 states in the U.S. have a law to this effect in place).
A parent is allowed to permanently give up their newborn 45 days old. Subject to certain requirements – this provides an affirmative defense against child endangerment and child abandonment charges.
Before making this decision, you should know:
- This is permanent.
- The newborn must be safe and left with an appropriate professional.
- The other parent has rights.
- If you are not the parent making this decision and you would like custody of the child, you must take steps to prove you are the parent within 30 days after the juvenile officer has filed a public notice.
Who can a newborn be left with?
According to the Missouri’s Safe Place for Newborns Law, you may leave your newborn with the any of the following professionals:
- Law enforcement officer (whether on duty or off duty)
- Firefighter
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Hospital staff
- Maternity home staff
- Pregnancy center staff
- A volunteer at a hospital, maternity home or pregnancy center
- Any staff in a health care provider position while off duty at a hospital, maternity home or pregnancy center
Contact:
If you have questions or would like more information about Missouri’s Safe Place for Newborns Law, contact the Children’s Division toll free at 1-800-392-3738.
