Safe Haven Law
The Indiana Safe Haven Law enables a person to give up an unwanted infant anonymously without fear of arrest or prosecution.
A parent, family member, friend, minister or priest, social worker or any responsible adult may give up custody of a baby less than 45 days old to a hospital emergency room, fire station or police station in Indiana.
As long as there are no signs of intentional abuse on the baby, no information is required of the person leaving the baby. Any knowledge of the date of birth, race, parent medical history, child's health or anything that would be useful to the child's caregiver would be greatly appreciated.
Once the baby is examined and given medical treatment (if needed), the Indana Department of
Child Services will take the baby into custody through Child Protective Services where it will be placed with a caregiver.
Distressed parents can receive counseling and get addresses and directions for any hospital, fire station or police station in Indiana by calling the Safe Haven Hotline, 1-877-796-HOPE (4673), or 2-1-1. Parents can learn more by visiting the National Safe Haven Alliance in Indiana website www.safehaven.tv to get more information.
Stay Connected
- Make a child abuse or neglect report
- Leave my infant at a safe place (Safe Haven Law)
- Get help for a child or family in my community (Community Partners)
- Find my Local DCS Office and Director
- Contact my Regional Manager
- Give money to the Kids First Trust Fund
- Contact a representative of DCS regarding child protection
- Apply for a Job with DCS
- Find the guidelines for Child Support
- Collect or pay child support
- Establish Paternity
- Contact a Child Support Representative
