Department of Children and Families -
A criminal investigation shall not be initiated solely because a newborn infant is left at a hospital or a 24/7 staffed Fire/EMS station
under the Safe Haven law (383.50).
Therefore, notification of DCF is not required, nor specified under the law unless signs of
abuse or neglect are suspected.
Effective July 1,2012 - HB 1163:
Prohibits the department of children and families from taking custody
of a surrendered newborn who tests positive for drugs or alcohol and has no other signs of abuse, except when reasonable efforts
to contact a licensed child placing agency to take custody of the child fail.
Regardless of the birth mother's intentions, a
positive drug screening on the infant must be reported to DCF, however, information relative to the parents of the newborns should
not be provided to DCF if the infant is being surrendered under the Safe Haven law.
If signs of abuse or neglect are suspected
please contact your local law enforcement agency and DCF (Department of Children and Families) at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
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