The Safe Haven Law in South Dakota provides a critical option for parents who find themselves unable to care for their newborns. This law, commonly referred to as the “Baby Moses Law,” ensures that parents can legally and safely surrender their infant without facing criminal charges. Recently, there has been growing support for expanding the law by introducing baby boxes, which would provide an additional anonymous and secure method for infant surrender. At All About U Adoptions, we are committed to providing resources and support for those in crisis, including accepting baby surrenders when our staff is present. Keep reading to learn more about safe haven laws and baby surrender…

Understanding South Dakota’s Safe Haven Law

South Dakota’s Safe Haven Law allows a parent or guardian to relinquish an unharmed newborn up to 60 days old to designated emergency service providers. These providers include:

• Hospitals and clinics
• Law enforcement officers
• Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
• Firefighters
• Department of Social Services offices
• Licensed child placement agencies like All About U Adoptions (when staff is present) 

When an infant is surrendered under this law, the parent is not required to provide any identifying information. However, they may be asked to voluntarily offer medical history or other relevant details that could assist in the child’s future care. After the baby is surrendered, the Department of Social Services (DSS) or a licensed child placement agency takes custody and ensures the child’s well-being. If the birth parent does not return to reclaim the child within 14 days, their parental rights are permanently terminated, allowing the child to be placed for adoption.

The Introduction of Baby Boxes (Baby Gabriel Bill) in South Dakota

While the Safe Haven Law already provides a secure method for surrendering infants, recent legislative efforts aim to introduce baby boxes as an additional option. Baby boxes are temperature-controlled, secure devices located at hospitals, fire stations, or other designated locations, allowing parents to safely and anonymously surrender their newborns without direct human interaction.

• House Bill 1044, named the Baby Gabriel bill recently passed in the South Dakota House of Representatives, seeks to legalize the installation of baby boxes in approved locations.
• These boxes offer an additional layer of anonymity for parents who may not feel comfortable handing their child over in person.
• Once a baby is placed in a baby box, an alarm alerts emergency personnel, who retrieve the infant within minutes and ensure their immediate care.

The bill has received strong support and is currently being reviewed by the South Dakota Senate. If passed, baby boxes would provide a vital expansion to the Safe Haven Law, ensuring that more infants are surrendered safely rather than abandoned in unsafe conditions.

AAU Adoptions and Baby Surrender Services

As a licensed child placement agency serving South Dakota, All About U Adoptions is proud to support parents facing difficult decisions. Under South Dakota’s Safe Haven Law, we accept baby surrenders when our staff is present. Our primary goal is to provide a safe and compassionate environment for infants while offering support and guidance to parents in crisis.

Parents who surrender their infants through All About U Adoptions can expect:

• A non-judgmental, compassionate approach
• Assurance that their child will be placed in a safe, loving home
• Confidentiality and respect for their decision
• Resources and counseling if they wish to discuss alternative options

Why Safe Haven Laws Matter

Safe Haven laws exist to protect both infants and parents. They provide a secure alternative to abandonment, ensuring that no child is left in an unsafe environment. By allowing parents to surrender their child without fear of legal repercussions, these laws serve as a life-saving option for those who may feel they have nowhere else to turn.

With the potential introduction of baby boxes in South Dakota, more parents may feel empowered to use Safe Haven protections without fear or hesitation. This additional resource could further reduce instances of unsafe abandonment while ensuring that every surrendered infant receives proper care and placement.

A Commitment to Safe and Ethical Adoption in South Dakota

At All About U Adoptions, we firmly believe in providing ethical, compassionate adoption services. Whether a parent chooses to make an adoption plan voluntarily or surrenders their child under the Safe Haven Law, we are here to support them every step of the way.

If you or someone you know is considering surrendering a newborn, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and facilitate a safe and responsible surrender process. No parent should feel alone in this decision, and we are committed to ensuring that every child finds a loving and secure home.

For more information on South Dakota’s Safe Haven Law, pending baby box legislation, or our adoption services, please visit our website or contact our office directly. We are here to help in any way we can.