Florida Adoption Laws Page5

Adoption Laws in Florida Page5

State haven laws for Infants

• Infant age : Statute: - § 383.50
  • 3 days old or younger child.

• Who may relinquish the infant : Statute: - § 383.50
  • Parent.

• Who may receive the infant : Statute: - § 383.50
  • Fire station
  • Emergency department of any hospital.
  • Hospital

• Responsibilities of the safe haven provider : Statute: - § 383.50
  • Make report if any neglect or abuse is suspected in lieu of contacting any child placing agency
  • Provide all required medical care
  • Contact the local child placing agency

• Immunity for provider : Statute: - § 383.50 Yes.

• Protection for relinquishing parent : Statute: - § 383.50
  • If there is no abuse or neglect, the parent is provided immunity from prosecution for abandonment.
  • The parent may remain anonymous legally.
  • The parent is responsible for child protective report as per - § 39.201, or any criminal investigation, unless and until there is suspected or actual child abuse.

• Effect on the parental rights : Statute: - § 383.50
  • Any time prior to termination of rights, parent may reclaim the child.
  • There is assumption that parent has consented to termination of parental rights.