Safe Haven Laws

Today's economy is difficult, and both families and single parents struggle to make ends meet. But with every obstacle comes a solution. There are many services that provide help, especially for single partners. Basic needs, housing, and childcare are just a few of the various services offered by the government. But occasionally, raising a child is too much for a parent. If that were the case, there are numerous places, including Parkland College Public Safety, which can accept babies.

For the parent who can't bear to part with their child, there are numerous places and programs that are helpful. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a program designed to assist in purchasing grocery items for people of low income. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families, providing help to pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical and is limited to 60 months. Low-income housing is also available in several places and one would discover that many places are willing to work with single parents or low-income families. Another option would be to have a friend live with you, which could aid in splitting expenses.

An additional option is the Crisis Nursery located in Urbana, Illinois. "Crisis Nursery creates an ‘Island of Safety' dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect by providing 24-hour emergency care for children and support to strengthen families in crisis," according to their website. "Crisis Nursery is the only emergency-based childcare facility open 24 hours, 365 days a year for the entire community to access with no fees, income eligibility or waiting list. Besides safe shelter for children, ranging in age from birth through five years, we also provide family support and parenting education to strengthen parent skills and confidence.  Resources and services are available for families dealing with prenatal depression, kinship care, homelessness and teen parenting to name a few. Services include: crisis counseling, home visits, parent child interaction groups, support groups, and referrals for resources and follow-ups." The facility's website, crisisnursery.net, has this information as well as information for families and ways to donate or volunteer.

Even though a single parent may feel like they are out of options, they aren't. There are several alternatives to give a baby a chance for a good life if a single parent finds their self not capable of caring for a newborn, such as adoption or giving the baby up. There are multiple adoption methods, about which detailed information can be found by contacting an adoption agency or adoption attorney to get information about the process. As for surrendering an infant, Parkland's Public Safety office is obligated to accept infants and someone is always in attendance. A baby must be under thirty days old, and given to a person, not dropped off. If the parent and baby appear healthy and no obvious neglect or abuse is present, then there are no questions asked. Later, DCFS will become involved to help place the baby in a loving home.

An infant could also be relinquished to a generally specific employee. "Illinois offers a safe option for a desperate parent in crisis," affirms saveabandonedbabies.org. "By handing your unharmed baby, thirty days old or younger, to personnel at any hospital, emergency medical facility, staffed fire station, or police station you can walk away with no questions asked. The baby will be cared for and placed in a loving home for adoption. No attempt whatsoever will be made to contact you. No crime will have been committed. This is a TRULY safe process." For more information about Safe Haven laws or adoption, visit the website listed above.

So whether a parent decides to raise his or her own family or give the baby to another family, there are options for either path. Be sure to investigate all available resources thoroughly, there are plenty that are offered. Remember; never be ashamed to ask for help, even if all hope seems lost.