Norwich State Representatives Highlight Safe Haven Laws

From Norwich State Representatives and the Office of Senator Cathy Osten:

NORWICH, CT -- Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), Representative Emmett Riley (D-Norwich) and Representative Kevin Ryan (D-Norwich) on Monday, April 4 joined staff at the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich to highlight Connecticut’s Safe Havens Law.

Since the law was established in 2000, 27 infants have been turned over to Connecticut hospitals by a parent, who are able to do so anonymously and with the assurance that the child will receive immediate care. The program provides a safe alternative for parents who may feel as though are unable to care for their child and lack options, which could otherwise lead to a tragic outcome like the abandonment, or even death, of the child.

Sen. Osten thanked the medical staff at Backus Hospital for the care they provide to the greater-Norwich community, and for their commitment to the Safe Havens program.

“The Safe Havens Law is the humanitarian’s way of protecting babies, but over the years we have realized that it is not enough for the law to exist – we must also promote these safe spaces and do more to get the information out to all women of child-bearing age,” said Sen. Osten. “We do not want to judge or vilify people who choose to leave a child with the Safe Havens program – it’s designed to save lives, and with three infants being dropped off at Safe Havens hospitals in Connecticut this year alone, we know it is working. We should consider that a big win.”

According to the Department of Children and Families, those three Safe Haven babies bring the total number of babies potentially saved from infant abandonment to 27 during the 15 years of the law’s existence. In all but one case, the babies were placed into homes where they were eventually adopted. In the other case, the infant was placed with family members. However, officials believe that a number of other infants’ lives could have been saved by more public awareness of the Safe Haven law.

“We are prepared to take any patient, and we want to assure the parents of these children that if you utilize this service your child will be taken care off,” said Karen Butterworth-Erban, Clinical Director of Emergency Services.

For those who are struggling, “It is an incredible act to give over your child to a hospital,” said Dr. William Horgan, Director of Norwich Emergency Services. “That Backus Hospital is a beacon of safety makes me incredibly proud.

“This invaluable program gives the mother an option to do the right thing, and give the child the appropriate care that they need, if the parent cannot provide it,” said Rep. Ryan.

Rep. Riley, who spoke in support of the Safe Havens law, addressed the Backus medical staff during Monday’s event.

“Thank you for making this a safe area,” he said.

“This is not just a public safety initiative, but a social and healthcare initiative,” said Hospital President Dr. Bimal Patel. “Sen. Osten has led the way, and we are proud to be a great partner; making sure we are a beacon of safety in our community.”

The Department of Children and Families recently released the following information about how the Safe Haven Act works:

· The law enables a parent to bring an infant 30 days or younger to a hospital emergency room and avoid prosecution for abandonment.

· A nurse will ask the parent for their name and for medical information on the infant and parent. The parent does not have to provide that information.

· DCF will obtain custody and place the baby with a family who is already licensed and intends to adopt the baby.

· Safe Haven babies are placed into homes with families that adopt the child. In one instance, a Safe Haven baby was placed into a permanent home of a relative

· The Department will provide support to the baby’s new family while terminating the biological parent’s parental rights so that the adoption can become final.

· Connecticut law requires that a child can only be placed by the Department with a person licensed to provide foster or adoptive care.

Photo caption: Rep. Kevin Ryan, Rep. Emmett Rylie, Hospital President Dr. Bimal Patel and Senator Cathy Osten speak at an event held at the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich April 4, highlighting the first annual Safe Havens Awareness Day.