Nebraska sees 30th safe-haven case

John Thompson

Print

Some leave their children instead of seeking parenting advice

A Nebraska law that was aimed at preventing newborns from being abandoned has had some unintended consequences.

On Monday, a 17-year-old boy became the 30th child to be left at a hospital or police station by his parent under the state's safe-haven law.

The legislation was passed to protect infants who are in immediate danger or may be abandoned. Parents or guardians are permitted to leave children in safe zones without fear of prosecution.

When Nebraska became the last state to pass a safe-haven law in July, it used the word "child" instead of setting a specific age limit like other states have done. Now, some authorities say the law needs to be changed so that it meets its intended purpose.

Some people whose parenting skills have been challenged have been interpreting that language to mean anyone under 18. Of the 30 young people left in safe zones since the law came into effect, many have been young teenagers with severe behavioral problems.

Todd Landry, director of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, told CBS News, "We need to get back to the intent of the law - and the intent of the law was always the protection of newborns in immediate danger of being harmed."
ADNFCR-1662-ID-18871074-ADNFCR

Subscribe to the pregnancy newsletter or 4-8 year olds newsletter.

Email this | Print

Login with Facebook

Post a Comment


First Name:
City:
Email Address:
Comments:	Total Words: (400 words*)
	Enter the characters you see in the image. They are case sensitive.

Shopping

Article List

	Make reading fun for your kids this summer
	Sports safety tips for kids
	Advice for finding the perfect babysitter
	Fun ways to prepare for Easter with your kids
	How to get your kids involved with spring cleaning
	Separating a reluctant older child from a favorite stuffed animal
	Fundraising with your kids at school
	Three tips for getting kids to stick to a regular bedtime
	How to make sure illegal drugs won't ruin your kids
	Three post-holiday health tips for your family
	Three New Year's resolutions you can make with your children
	Talking to your kids about school shootings
	Holiday tips for turning naughty children nice

All section articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16