You made a tough decision nine months ago, but you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn now that your baby is here. You looked at a positive pregnancy test and decided to parent, but you’ve changed your mind, and now you need another option – you need a safe place to leave your baby. A Safe Haven provider is available for you. Remember, you still have options – even after birth.

With no judgment and no shame, you can turn to National Safe Haven Alliance for a safe and legal place to leave your baby if you are immediately unable to parent.

If you have a baby and are panicking about how to care for the baby, call or text the National Safe Haven Alliance helpline. There is a team ready to provide assistance and support 24/7. They can discuss all of your options so you make a decision that is safe and best. They can even coordinate a place for you to bring your baby if you’d like to leave your baby with a Safe Haven provider.

You may be scared to call and scared of the consequences of leaving your baby with a trained professional. Please know – in Virginia – any baby that is brought to a Safe Haven provider by a parent, unharmed and 30 days old or younger, is done so with no fear of legal action. There is no fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment. So far, there have been 19 babies surrendered to Safe Haven providers in the state of Virginia.

You may also be afraid of being ashamed or having judgment from your family. Know that the process of using a Safe Haven provider is confidential.

National Safe Haven Alliance can provide other support as well by helping you navigate challenges, preparing you for parenthood, and connecting you with an adoption agency.

A few specifics about Safe Haven laws in Virginia:

• • Who can bring the baby to the Safe Haven provider? Only the parent may anonymously bring the unharmed newborn to a provider.
  • How old can the baby be? The infant must be 30 days old or younger.
  • What happens when you arrive at the local Safe Haven provider? The baby must be directly handed to the provider. The provider will immediately notify the Department of Child and Family Services.
  • Where can I find a Safe Haven provider in Virginia? Any on-duty staff member at a 24-hour medical facility, hospital, or fire/EMS is a Safe Haven provider. Please contact 1-888-510-2229 to locate the Safe Haven provider nearest you and coordinate a place/time to leave your baby with a provider.