In New Jersey, two to four newborns are surrendered each year to Safe Haven sites, under the Safe Haven Infant Protection Act that took effect in 2000. In all, 86 Safe Haven surrenders of unwanted babies have taken place since the law was signed.  

The law allows infants up to 30 days old to be anonymously surrendered at hospital emergency rooms, police stations, or 24-hour fire stations and ambulance or rescue squads. “As long as the baby has not been abused, the person may do so without fear of arrest or prosecution,” according to the Department of Children and Families. After being medically cleared, the infants are placed for adoption through the department’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency. In the first three months of 2023, four newborns were surrendered, an uptick compared to most years. 

The state’s Safe Haven public awareness campaign specifically aims to help women and girls between ages 13 and 30; high school students are taught about the program in health and physical education classes. 

“Awareness reduces fear, which reduces harm. Parents who are not ready or able to take on the responsibility of parenting can be assured that they can safely, legally, and anonymously surrender their infant at any staffed Safe Haven site,” said Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer.