Massachusetts Adoption Laws Page5

Adoption Laws in Massachusetts Page5

State haven laws for Infants

• Infant age : Statute: Ch. 119, - § 391/2

  • Newborn infant of 7 days of age or may be less than it.

• Who may relinquish the infant : Statute: Ch. 119, - § 391/2

  • Parents.

• Who may receive the infant : Statute: Ch. 119, - § 391/2
  • Police departments.
  • Manned fire stations.
  • Hospitals.

• Responsibilities of the safe haven provider : Statute: Ch. 119, - § 391/2
  • Notify the department immediately.
  • Try to collect the following information from the parent:
    • The infant's birthplace.
    • Relevant information to the medical history of the infant and his or her biological medical history of the family.
    • Other information reasonably assist the department in determining interests of the infant.
    • Name and address of parent, who placing the infant.
    • Name of the infant .

• Immunity for provider

  • It is not addressed in statutes reviewed in Massachusetts.

• Protection for relinquishing parent : Statute: Ch. 119, - § 391/2
  • Voluntary relinquishment may not constitute finding of abuse or neglect of violation of the criminal statute for the child.
  • Voluntary relinquishment may not constitute automatic termination of parental rights at all.

• Effect on the parental rights : Statute: Ch. 119, - § 391/2

  The department shall

  • Initiate a petition to terminate parental rights.
  • Accept the infant for placement in foster care.
  • Initiate all actions to achieve the safety and permanent placement of the infant authorized by law.