BabySafeHaven
01-09-2005, 05:51 AM
Commonwealth of Massachusetts web site - HHS page
http://www.mass.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=eohhs2homepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid
=Eeohhs2
Healey Kicks Off Baby Safe Haven Awareness Campaign
Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey kicked off a public awareness campaign to
educate and provide answers to frightened young parents and pregnant teenagers
about the state's new baby safe haven law, which went into effect this fall.
"Newborn abandonment is an avoidable tragedy that we are determined to stamp
out in Massachusetts," said Healey. "Working together, we will spread the word
that every child, regardless of circumstance, can receive a loving, supportive
start to life."
The safe haven law – signed by Healey this summer – allows a parent to
anonymously leave a newborn who is less than seven days old at a designated
facility, such as a hospital, police department or fire station, without facing
any legal consequences. The new measure gives the Department of Social
Services immediate custody of the newborn, allowing them to place the infant in
a safe foster home. Under the law, parents are not automatically stripped of
their parental rights.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Social Services and a safe haven
committee that included police and fire service professionals and hospital
representatives, is designed to promote the new law as well as teen pregnancy
programs and adoption information.
Along with a website that was created in the fall – www.babysafehaven.com --
the awareness campaign includes public service announcements, billboards and
posters featuring the slogan, "If you can't keep your baby, you can keep your
baby safe."
In addition, a new statewide safe haven hotline (1-866-814-SAFE) staffed by the
AMT Child of Hope Foundation, the proponents of the legislation nationally,
will be available to troubled expectant parents. Trained staff respond to the
calls with the specific purpose of providing information, crisis intervention
services and referrals to those needing help with a troubled or secret
pregnancy.
"The safe haven committee is working to provide education and options to anyone
in need and a safety net for all who experience troubled or secret pregnancies.
Our goal is to save lives," said Harry Spence, Commissioner of the Department
of Social Services.
http://www.mass.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=eohhs2homepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid
=Eeohhs2
Healey Kicks Off Baby Safe Haven Awareness Campaign
Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey kicked off a public awareness campaign to
educate and provide answers to frightened young parents and pregnant teenagers
about the state's new baby safe haven law, which went into effect this fall.
"Newborn abandonment is an avoidable tragedy that we are determined to stamp
out in Massachusetts," said Healey. "Working together, we will spread the word
that every child, regardless of circumstance, can receive a loving, supportive
start to life."
The safe haven law – signed by Healey this summer – allows a parent to
anonymously leave a newborn who is less than seven days old at a designated
facility, such as a hospital, police department or fire station, without facing
any legal consequences. The new measure gives the Department of Social
Services immediate custody of the newborn, allowing them to place the infant in
a safe foster home. Under the law, parents are not automatically stripped of
their parental rights.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Social Services and a safe haven
committee that included police and fire service professionals and hospital
representatives, is designed to promote the new law as well as teen pregnancy
programs and adoption information.
Along with a website that was created in the fall – www.babysafehaven.com --
the awareness campaign includes public service announcements, billboards and
posters featuring the slogan, "If you can't keep your baby, you can keep your
baby safe."
In addition, a new statewide safe haven hotline (1-866-814-SAFE) staffed by the
AMT Child of Hope Foundation, the proponents of the legislation nationally,
will be available to troubled expectant parents. Trained staff respond to the
calls with the specific purpose of providing information, crisis intervention
services and referrals to those needing help with a troubled or secret
pregnancy.
"The safe haven committee is working to provide education and options to anyone
in need and a safety net for all who experience troubled or secret pregnancies.
Our goal is to save lives," said Harry Spence, Commissioner of the Department
of Social Services.
