Infant Safe Haven Laws - New Hampshire

Infant's Age

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 132-A:2

A child who is no more than 7 days old may be surrendered.

Who May Relinquish the Infant

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 132-A:2

The child may be relinquished by his or her parent.

Who May Receive the Infant

Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 132-A:1; 132-A:2

The child may be left at a hospital or a safe haven. A safe haven may be any of the following:

• A church that is attended by a person
• A police or fire station that is attended by a person
• A 911 responder at an agreed transfer location

Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider

Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 132-A:2; 132-A:3

A hospital or safe haven that takes temporary care and control of a child shall ensure the provision of any medical services necessary to protect the physical health or safety of the child.

Within 24 hours, the hospital or safe haven shall notify the Department of Health and Human Services and law enforcement officials that the hospital or safe haven has assumed temporary care and control of the child.

Immunity for the Provider

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 132-A:4

No person or entity subject to the provisions of this chapter shall be liable for any claim at law or in equity as a result of action taken pursuant to the requirements of this chapter.

Protection for Relinquishing Parent

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 132-A:2

The parent is not required to reveal personally identifiable information.

Effect on Parental Rights

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 132-A:3

The department assumes temporary care and control of the infant.

Within 24 hours, the department shall request law enforcement officials to investigate the incident using all resources available, including the National Crime Information Center database, to determine if the child is a missing child.