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Tennessee Safe Haven Law Education Curriculum

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Tennessee Safe Haven Law Education Curriculum

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    1. Tennessee Safe Haven Law Education Curriculum A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee

    2. Outline Teacher Information History Key Points of the Safe Haven Law FAQ’s Sample Discussion Questions Post Lesson Survey

    4. Teacher Information A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee works to educate young women about a safe and legal alternative to infant abandonment through our state’s Safe Haven Law. The law allows the anonymous surrender of unharmed newborns up to 72 hours old to any hospital, birthing center, community health clinic (health department), walk-in clinic, EMS facility, or fire or police station (staffed 24 hours) without fear of prosecution. The mother does not have to answer questions or give information about herself.

    5. Teacher Information cont. This legislation provides a life saving option for scared and desperate young women who may be concealing their pregnancies and are at risk of abandoning their babies in unsafe locations. We hope that any young woman faced with an unintended and crisis pregnancy will seek medical care and assistance early and regularly. However, all young women should be aware of the Safe Haven Law in the event they do not seek help.

    6. Teacher Information cont. We sincerely appreciate your support in distributing this information and educating your students. This curriculum is appropriate for middle school, high school, and college age students. Brochures and posters may be downloaded from our website (www.secretsafeplacetn.org) or requested from our office. With your help, we can prevent the tragedy of newborn abandonment and help save young women from making life devastating decisions. If you have further questions, please contact our office at 865-254-2208.

    7. History of the Safe Haven Law In October 2000, a newborn baby girl was abandoned in a shed by her 14 year-old mother in Townsend, Tennessee. The baby died of severe dehydration and the mother was charged with first-degree murder and sentenced to state custody. As a result of this tragedy, Blount County community members successfully advocated our legislature to pass a Safe Haven Law. The law was enacted on July 1, 2001. The legislation provides a safe and legal measure for a young woman to anonymously give up her newborn.

    9. Key Points of the Safe Haven Law Date Enacted: July 1, 2001 (amended May 2009) Age of Child: Unharmed newborn of 72 hours (3 days) of age or less Safe Haven Locations: Hospitals Birthing Centers Community Health Clinics (Health Departments) Outpatient, Walk-In Clinics EMS facilities Fire stations (only if staffed 24 hours) Police stations (only if staffed 24 hours)

    10. Key Points cont. Prosecution: Mother will not be prosecuted provided she acts in full compliance of the law. Anonymity: Mother retains anonymity. She may be asked questions regarding medical history and identity but she is not required to answer. Termination of Parental Rights: No less than 90 days. Other: Mother must surrender baby herself. Must be given to a Health Care Worker or employee of the facility.

    11. Additional Information After the mother leaves, the baby will be examined and admitted to the hospital. After a hospital stay, the baby is released into the custody of the Department of Children’s Services (DCS.) The baby’s adoption is handled by DCS. If the mother wishes to reclaim the baby, she needs to contact her local DCS office within 30 days.

    13. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Tennessee Safe Haven Law? It is a law that allows a mother to give up her newborn baby confidentially and without being prosecuted for abandonment. • How does the law work? Any mother who feels she cannot or will not care for her newborn baby can bring the baby (3 days old or younger) to any hospital, birthing center, community health clinic (health department), walk-in clinic, EMS facility, or fire or police station (staffed 24 hours) and hand her baby to a worker or employee. The mother does not have to give her name or any other information.

    14. Frequently Asked Questions What happens to the baby? The baby will be given any needed medical treatment and admitted to the hospital. After a hospital stay, the Department of Children’s Services takes custody and finds an adoptive family. • Will the mother be reported to police or her parents? No. As long as the baby is unharmed, 3 days old or less, and brought to a designated facility, the mother will not be reported.

    15. Frequently Asked Questions What if the mother is a minor? Any female can give up her unwanted baby under the law no matter how old she is. The process is safe, legal and confidential. If she is a minor, her parents will not be contacted. • Will the mother have to give information or her name? A worker at the safe haven facility might ask for information but the mother is not required to answer any questions. The mother can give information such as medical history. Any information will be given only to DCS and the adoptive family and the mother’s confidentially will still be protected.

    16. Frequently Asked Questions Can someone other than the mother bring the baby to a Safe Haven location? No, the mother must bring the baby in herself. She can have someone with her but she must be present. • Can a mother keep her baby or give the baby up for adoption? Yes! A mother can keep her baby or go through the adoption process. The Safe Haven Law is an option for someone who feels she has no other choice except to hide her baby. It is a safe and legal alternative to abandoning the baby in an unsafe place in order to keep the pregnancy and birth a secret.

    17. Frequently Asked Questions What if the mother changes her mind and wants her baby back? If the mother changes her mind, she should call her local Department of Children’s Services office. She can also call the Secret Safe Place for Newborns Helpline at 1-866-699-SAFE for more information. The mother needs to make contact with DCS within 30 days or she may lose her rights to her baby. • What if I have other questions about the Safe Haven Law? Call the Secret Safe Place for Newborns Helpline at 1-866-699-SAFE. All calls are completely anonymous and confidential. There is no caller ID system and calls are not recorded. Callers are not asked their names. You may also receive more information at the website: www.secretsafeplacetn.org.

    18. Frequently Asked Questions What is A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee? It is an organization that educates young women and raises public awareness about the Safe Haven Law in order to prevent newborn abandonment. It also operates a 24-Hour Helpline that anyone with questions about the Safe Haven Law or Safe Haven locations can call. The number is 1-866-699-SAFE. All calls are completely confidential. The website is: www.secretsafeplacetn.org.

    20. Sample Discussion Questions Why do you think a mother might unsafely abandon her baby? Do you think the Safe Haven Law could help a mother considering abandoning her baby? How? What are good ways to educate young people about the Safe Haven Law? Are you willing to tell other people your age about the law?

    21. How Students Can Help Tell one or more people your age about the Safe Haven Law. Request posters to hang in your community where people your age will see them. E-mail the website to your friends www.secretsafeplacetn.org. Check out our pages on Facebook and myspace. Be a friend to anyone in a crisis pregnancy situation and encourage her to talk to an adult.

    23. Post Lesson Survey If possible, please have students complete the survey and return to our office at: 1133 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway Maryville, TN 37804. Students do not need to put their names on the survey. Please include the name of your school with the surveys.

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