Maine Adoption Laws Page5

Adoption Laws in Maine Page5

State haven laws for Infants

• Infant age : Statute: Statute: Title 22, - § 4018
  • Child must be less than 31 days old.

• Who may relinquish the infant : Statute : Title 22, - § 4018
  • Any person.

• Who may receive the infant : Statute : Title 22, - § 4018
  1. Law enforcement officer.
  2. Medical emergency room's staff.
  3. Medical services provider.
  4. Staff member of hospital.

• Responsibilities of the safe haven provider : Statute : Title 22, - § 4018
  • Information helpful to the child's welfare.
  • Inform the department.

• Immunity for provider : Statute: Title 22, - § 4018 Yes.

• Protection for relinquishing parent : Statute: Title 17-A; - § 553(3); Title 22, - § 4018
  • All personal information about the parent is kept confidential.
  • Delivery of a child in accordance with the law is an affirmative defense to prosecution for abandonment

• Effect on the parental rights :
  • Not addressed.