Infant Safe Haven Laws - New Hampshire

Infant's Age
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 132-A:2

A child who is no more than 61 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 or be placed in a safe haven infant safety device. 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

A 'safe haven infant safety device' is a device or container that can safely accept delivery of a child 61 days of age or younger that meets the following criteria:

• It is voluntarily installed by a hospital, law enforcement agency, or fire department.
• It is physically located inside a hospital, law enforcement facility, or fire department facility that is staffed 24 hours a day.
• It is located in an area that is conspicuous and visible to the employees of the hospital, law enforcement agency, or fire department.
• It is equipped with an alarm that notifies the hospital, law enforcement agency, or fire department where the device or container is located.

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.

Consequences of Relinquishment
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, including by using the National Crime Information Center database, to determine if the child is a missing child.