TRENTON – Four unrelated newborns were brought to various Safe Haven sites across New Jersey in the first three months of 2023, Department of Children and Families (DCF) officials report. 

Compared to recent years, this represents an uptick in surrenders. Since 2011, two to four infants were surrendered per year.  

The Safe Haven law took effect in August 2000. It allows infants up to 30 days old, free of abuse or neglect, to be anonymously surrendered to staff at hospital emergency rooms or police stations, or fire stations and ambulance or rescue squads that are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Once cleared by a medical professional, infants who have been surrendered are placed into an adoptive home through the DCF Division of Child Protection and Permanency. 

“Public awareness of Safe Haven as an option has increased over the past few years, due, we believe, in large part to our department’s social and digital media campaigns,” said DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “Awareness reduces fear, which reduces harm. 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 has a statewide Safe Haven public awareness campaign with regularly updated materials to raise awareness of the law, particularly among women and girls between the ages of 13 and 30. Since the 2020 school year, New Jersey high schools have also taught students about the Safe Haven law in health and physical education classes. In addition, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation designating September of every year as “Safe Haven Awareness Month.” 

Due to confidentiality statutes and the promise of anonymity for the parents, the State will not share publicly the genders of the infants or the exact dates and locations of the surrenders. 

“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. 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.” 

There have been 86 Safe Haven surrenders in New Jersey since the law was signed. For more information, visit www.njsafehaven.org or call the Safe Haven Hotline at 1-877-839-2339.