4 Babies Have Been Surrendered To NJ Safe Haven Sites So Far In 2023, Officials Say

NEW JERSEY — Four babies have been surrendered to safe places across New Jersey so far this year, state officials say, as they continue advocating for parents to consider bringing an unwanted infant to a Safe Haven instead of abandoning them.

The newborns, all unrelated, were brought to various Safe Haven sites in the first three months of 2023, said the NJ Department of Children and Families. This number is an uptick compared to recent years, said state officials:

Since 2011, between two and four infants have been surrendered per year. There were no reported infant surrenders in 2021.

The DCF is not sharing when/where the four babies were surrendered, or their genders at birth, because of confidentiality statutes.

New Jersey's Safe Haven law allows a parent, or someone acting on behalf of a parent, to surrender a baby they do not want or cannot take care of without any consequences provided the child is healthy and cared for.

Someone may anonymously surrender a baby under 30 days of age to staff at hospitals, police stations, fire stations, or ambulance and rescue squads which are open 24/7. The infant must be free of injury of neglect.

Once a medical examiner examines these babies, the DCF Division of Child Protection and Permanency places them into a foster or an adoptive home.

The Safe Haven law took effect in Aug. 2000, and DCF officials have been increasing public awareness particularly among women and girls between 13 and 30.

DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer said public awareness of Safe Haven as an option has increased, largely due to the department's social media and digital media campaigns.

“Awareness reduces fear, which reduces harm," she said. "Parents who are not ready or able to take on the responsibility of parenting can be assured that they can safely, legally, and anonymously surrender their infant at any staffed Safe Haven site.”

New Jersey high schools have also taught students about the law since the 2020 school year, said the DCF.

“The months and days leading up to childbirth can be a scary time for pregnant people, especially for those who may be feeling alone, unready, and are not sure where to turn for support,” said Laura Jamet, assistant commissioner of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

“The decision to surrender a newborn is such a deeply personal and often difficult decision to make, no matter a pregnant person's age," Jamet continued. "But we want all pregnant people to know that they are not alone and have a place to turn to. The New Jersey Safe Haven Law is here for them, no questions asked.”

Since the Safe Haven law was signed, there have been 86 infant surrenders according to the DCF.