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Safe Haven Provider Resources

When a parent makes the brave choice to safely surrender their infant, Safe Haven providers are there to help. Providers offer support during a very difficult moment. 

Safe Haven providers work at locations that are approved by Virginia law. These places include: 

  • Hospitals with 24-hour emergency services
  • An attended Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency that employs emergency medical personnel, such as some fire stations or rescue squads
  • A newborn safety device located at and operated by such hospital or emergency medical services agencies  

In Virginia, the Safe Haven laws provide hospital and emergency medical services personnel criminal and civil immunity for injury or other damage to the infant unless such injury or other damage to the infant was the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct by such personnel.    

Below are simple best practices to help providers feel prepared during an infant surrender. 

Best Practices for Safe Haven Providers

Hospitals
Attended EMS Agencies
  • Talk with the parent about private adoption. Refer them to a private adoption agency or call the National Safe Haven Alliance (NSHA) at 1-888-510-BABY (2229) for help. 
    • If the parent does not want private adoption, accept the infant under Safe Haven laws.  
  • Ask the parent if they can share medical information or any important details about the infant. 
    • If the parent refuses, you cannot require them to give this information. 
  • Call the local department of social services to report that an infant has been surrendered. 
  • Give the infant any medical care needed. 
  • If a parent later wants to reclaim custody, direct them to the local department of social services. 
  • If the surrender happens during delivery, complete anonymity may not be possible. 
  • Accept physical custody of the infant under Safe Haven laws. 
  • Ask the parent for medical information or other important details. (If the parent refuses, you cannot require this).
  • Give the infant any immediate medical care needed.
  • Arrange transportation to the nearest hospital.
  • Tell hospital staff the infant was surrendered under Safe Haven laws. Hospital staff will notify the local department of social services.
  • If a parent later wants to reclaim custody, direct them to the local department of social services. 

Virginia Safe Haven Training 

This training helps hospital and EMS staff know what to do when an infant is surrendered under Safe Haven laws in Virginia. 

For training information, visit National Safe Haven Alliance or call 1-888-510-2229

For additional information, download and review the Safe Haven for Providers-VA Flyer. 

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