How Does Safe Haven Work?

If you are overwhelmed and cannot take care of your baby for any reason, there is help.

Newborns 1 month old or younger can be handed to a staff member at fire stations, police stations, hospitals, or other emergency facilities with no questions asked.

If the infant is unharmed, no one will try to find the birth parent(s) and there are no legal consequences for the parents. These infants are considered relinquished and will be placed in an adoptive home. This option is there to prevent frightened or desperate parents from abandoning an infant in an unsafe place.

Using Safe Haven

You do not have to call or talk to anyone before handing your baby to someone who works at a Safe Haven site. For more information regarding Safe Haven or for help, you can call 888-510-2229 or visit the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services website.  For more information about making an adoption plan (before or after delivery), you can call 877-323-5299 or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.