Tennessee Adoption Laws Page2

Adoption Laws in Tennessee Page2

Laws for Infant safe Haven

• Age Requirements :
  Statute: - § 68-11-255

  The child must be seventy two hours old or younger.

• The following may relinquish the Infant :
  Statute: - § 68-11-255
  • Mother.

• The following may receive the Infant :
  Statute: - § 68-11-255
  • Birth center
  • Hospital
  • Community health clinic and outpatient walk-in clinic

• Safe Haven Provider Responsibilities :
  Statute: - § 68-11-255
  • They can take any action to protect the child and his health.
  • Identification and health information may be obtained from the parents.
  • They may provide the information about the relinquishment effects and available social services to the parents.

• Parental Rights :
  Statute: - § 36-1-142
  • Child custody may be assumed by the Dept. of Children Services.
  • News about the opportunities to claim the child will be published in the newspaper.