The local licensed child placing agency (see previous section “Contacting a local child placement agency”) will sign the hospital
discharge paperwork and receive the (Safe Haven) newborn. Copies of the admission and discharge paperwork for the baby are required
in order to file a petition for custody with the court. Anything with the birth mother's name should have her name redacted to protect
the birth mother's right to remain anonymous.
A Safe Haven for Newborns is contacted and basic information about the baby is
provided to maintain Geographic & Demographic statistics. (Gender, Race, DOB etc.)
The adoption agency's attorney will
file a petition with the court for the adoption agency to be granted emergency custody of the baby. This allows the agency to act
on behalf of the baby.
