A Safe Place for Newborns

allows a distressed parent to give up a baby safely, legally, and confidentially.

No identifying questions.
No judgment or shame.
No one needs to know.

For more information, call 1-800-SAFENET

Information for Birth Parents

Oregon's "A Safe Place for Newborns" Law allows a birth parent (mother or father) to leave a newborn infant at an authorized facility. As long as the baby is 30 days old or younger, is handed to someone working there, and shows no signs of abuse, there will be no legal consequences for making this choice.

This is a big decision. Please talk to someone you trust about your situation and possible options. If you need support, want to talk to someone about this decision, or need more information on adoption, counseling, or other social service supports, call 1-800-SAFENET (1-800-723-3638).

Our brochure can answer many of the questions you may have. If you do decide to take your baby to "A Safe Place for Newborns" haven, you will not be required to answer any questions. You will be offered a "Letter for Parents," a list of phone numbers to County Child Welfare offices, and asked to fill out a voluntary health questionnaire about the infant. You are free to leave at any time.

What happens next? If the baby needs medical attention, it will be provided. The professional staff person who accepts the baby will contact Community Human Services Child Welfare; and the baby will be placed in an adoptive home. There are many families who want to adopt a baby.

If you change your mind, you can seek custody of the baby. A court hearing will be held on the first business day after the day the baby is left. There will be several court hearings after that date. Your ability to seek custody of the baby will depend on how quickly the court moves to end the parent rights.

Additional online resources are also available.