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Michigan ’ s Safe Delivery of Newborns Law

Michigan ’ s Safe Delivery of Newborns Law. Resources, Education & Training, Public Awareness September 2012 May. History & Legislation. Increase in newborn abandonment in 2000 Michigan lawmakers enact Safe Delivery of Newborns law effective 1/1/2001 The law was amended 12/2006

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Michigan ’ s Safe Delivery of Newborns Law

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  1. Michigan’sSafe Delivery of Newborns Law Resources, Education & Training, Public Awareness September 2012 • May

  2. History & Legislation • Increase in newborn abandonment in 2000 • Michigan lawmakers enact Safe Delivery of Newborns law effective 1/1/2001 • The law was amended 12/2006 • Legal protections to surrender a newborn safely and anonymously • Safe, Legal and Anonymous • Focuses on safe choices and protection of newborn

  3. Safe Delivery of Newborns Law* • Parents can anonymously surrender a newborn within 72 hours of birth to an ESP • ESP is an employee/contractor of a hospital, fire department or police station and EMS when responding to a 9-1-1 emergency call • Newborn examined by physician • Unharmed newborn transferred to child placing agency • Parents may change their mind within 28 days of surrender • *Public Acts 488 of 2006 and 232, 233, 234 & 235 of 2000

  4. Who Abandons A Newborn? • No “typical” profile. • Infant abandonment crosses all socioeconomic groups, ages, races, ethnicity & educational levels.

  5. Why Parents Abandon Their Newborn • Isolation and denial • No alternatives • Immature • Lack adequate housing or money • Panic • Not prepared to parent

  6. Surrendering Parent Rights • Informed that the newborn will be placed for adoption • There are 28 days to petition for return • May be anonymous but encouraged to provide family/medical information • Information shared will not be made public. • No criminal investigation initiated

  7. ESP Responsibilities MAKE A REASONABLE ATTEMPT TO: • Provide Safe Delivery written information • Encourage completion of family/medical background • Inform of counseling/medical services • Encourage parent to share identity • Identify the non-surrendering parent • Inform parent shared information will not be made public • Inform that the child placing agency will provide services • Inform parent they may sign a release

  8. Child Placing Agency Responsibilities • Meet with the parent, if known • Place newborn with approved adoptive family • Contact law enforcement • File a placement petition in court • Attempt to identify, locate & provide notice of the surrender to the non-surrendering parent • Petition for termination of parent rights

  9. What Happens to the Newborn? • Signs of abuse/neglect? • Unharmed newborn placed with prospective adoptive family. • After 28 days child placing agency petitions for termination of parental rights or, • Parent petitions for return.

  10. Safe Delivery Effectiveness • 126 Newborns Surrendered In 29 Counties* • Surrendered At The Following Locations: • Hospitals: 121** • Fire Departments: 4 • Police Station: 1 • 9-1-1 Call: 0 * As of August 31, 2012 **Majority delivered at hospital

  11. Program Evaluation & Survey Results • Evaluation of public/professional awareness. • MSU’s State of the State Survey

  12. Education & Training for Emergency Service Providers Development & distribution of: • Response & Resource Handbook • Portable Packet • Signage • Public Serves Announcements • Web based training

  13. Education & Training for Child Placing Agencies Development & distribution of: • Adoption Agency Handbook • Training Seminars • Train the Trainers

  14. Educator • Broad definition of “Educator” • Counselors and Social Workers • Nurses and Health Clinic Staff • Educator and Schools Administrators • College Staff such as Counseling Center, Health Clinic or Residence Hall Staff • Format • Individual Meetings & Group Presentations • Situation Cards

  15. Public/Professional Awareness • Hotline/Web site • Safe Delivery logo for branding • Safe Delivery of Newborns Day Proclamation • Media events • Conference workshops and/or displays • ESP signage • ESP Tri-fold brochure • Posters, wallet cards & postcards

  16. In 2011, Safe Delivery celebrated success in saving lives….

  17. Exhibits at conferences and events

  18. Future plans: • Distribution of Handbooks, Signage & Educator Toolkit • Develop, Produce & Distribute Community Outreach Advocacy Toolkit • Revise Adoption Proceedings Benchbook • Ongoing Public Awareness Campaign • Trainings and Seminars • Broadening the base of those spreading the word and educating others about Safe Delivery

  19. Safe Delivery Information • Toll Free Number: 1-866-733-7733 for Public and Professionals • Web site: www.michigan.gov/safedelivery • Order Safe Delivery Resource materials: Forms on web site • Order DHS Publications & Forms: 517-373-7837 • Consultant Email: MichSafeDelivery@gmail.com

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