Recent headlines have reported an increasing number of abandoned babies in 2024…but that might not be an accurate picture. The National Institutes of Health report that there is no national database of abandoned babies and many states don’t track these numbers.
The state of Texas has seen an increase in abandoned babies in recent years, with the city of Houston registering a 500% increase in just the past three years. Arkansas does not report any increase in child abandonment. But when infants are abandoned, they may not survive.
What happens next?
If a parent who abandons a child is caught, they will be arrested and charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, a felony. It is a sad truth that abandoned babies often do not survive. However, if abandoned babies are found in time, they are placed with Human Services. They will be placed with a foster family and may find an adoptive family.
Safe Haven laws allow parents to relinquish a baby in a safe situation without questions.
Arkansas Safe Haven laws
In Arkansas, Safe Haven locations allow parents to relinquish babies 30 days old and younger safely, and without consequences. Parents can take their babies to police stations, fire stations, and emergency rooms. Babies must be given to a worker or placed in a Safe Haven box so that they can be cared for immediately. Parents are not required to give their name or to speak to anyone.
A better solution
An expectant mom who does not feel ready to parent has a better choice available. There are many loving families ready to adopt newborns. Individuals and couples who have finished their home studies and been approved for adoption are ready to help and support expectant mothers who seek a loving home for their baby. An adoption plan allows a baby to avoid fostering and go home right away with loving parents.
Contact Heimer Law for a confidential conversation.
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