Kentucky Infant Safe Haven Law

Complete Legal Protection: No Prosecution, No Questions

The law recognizes that making the decision to surrender your baby takes tremendous courage. Rather than punishing parents who make this difficult choice, Kentucky’s safe haven law ensures that both you and your baby are protected. 

When you leave your baby at a designated safe haven, no one will call the police or ask for your name. The law specifically protects parents from prosecution for abandonment or neglect when they follow the law’s requirements. This protection is absolute—provided your infant is unharmed and within the age limit of 30 days old.

You remain completely anonymous throughout the process. Safe haven providers are prohibited from inquiring about your identity.

What Happens After You Leave Your Baby

Here’s what happens once you have safely surrender your newborn[1][2][3]:

• Immediate Medical Care: Your baby will be taken to the nearest hospital. Hospital staff will conduct a complete medical evaluation to ensure your baby is healthy and receives any necessary treatment.
• No Investigation of You: You remain completely anonymous unless you choose otherwise. The focus is entirely on caring for the baby, not tracking down or prosecuting the parent.
• Emergency Custody: The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services assumes immediate custody of the infant to ensure proper care and placement.
• Foster Care Placement: The Cabinet places the child in a foster home, with the goal of reunification if you come forward. If not, they will move forward with placing the child for adoption.
• 30-Day Decision Period: If you do not contact the Cabinet for Health and Family Services within 30 days of leaving your baby in a safe place, they will terminate your parental rights. This gives you time to reconsider your decision while also moving forward with permanency planning for the child.

Adoption Process: If no parent has come forward after 30 days, the state begins the process to place the child with an adoptive family.

If You Change Your Mind

The Kentucky safe haven law recognizes that surrender is an enormous decision, and circumstances can change. 

If you decide you want your baby back within 30 days of leaving the baby in a safe place, call (877) 597-2331 (877-KYSAFE1). During this 30-day window, you have the opportunity to assert your parental rights and potentially regain custody of your child.[1]

However, it’s important to understand that there is no guarantee you will get your child back. It depends on the child’s best interests and the status of any legal proceedings.

Alternatives to Consider

While Kentucky’s safe haven law provides a critical safety net, you may also want to consider other options:

• Private Adoption: Working with a licensed adoption agency allows you to participate in selecting an adoptive family, maintain some level of contact through open adoption arrangements, and receive counseling and support. Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky can refer you to our trusted adoption partners.
• Parenting Resources: If you’re considering parenting but feel unprepared, Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky provides support including parenting classes and support groups. We are here to equip you to be the best parent you can be and build your support network.