Two infants were surrendered to New Jersey Safe Haven sites so far this year, according to the Department of Children and Families. Under the Safe Havens program, infants up to 30 days old, free of abuse or neglect, can be anonymously surrendered to staff in hospitals, police stations, fire stations and ambulance or rescue squads that are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Safe Haven law has been in effect for more than 20 years and since then 92 babies have been surrendered.

In 2023, eight newborns were surrendered — the second-highest year on record. The year 2006 saw the highest number of Safe Haven drop-offs, with 10 babies surrendered.

“Some new parents are just not ready for the challenges of raising a newborn,” said Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “Difficult life circumstances or situations may hinder a new parent from wanting or being able to care for a newborn safely. That’s why our Safe Haven locations across the state allow for secure, anonymous, judgment-free drop-off and an assurance that the infant will be placed with a licensed, adoptive family.”