Infant Safe Haven Laws - Vermont

Infant's Age

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 13, § 1303

A child who is no more than 30 days old may be relinquished.

Who May Relinquish the Infant

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 13, § 1303

A person may legally relinquish an infant under this section.

Who May Receive the Infant

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 13, § 1303

The child may be delivered to any of the following:

• An employee, staff member, or volunteer at a health-care facility
• An employee, staff member, or volunteer at a fire station, police station, place of worship, or an entity that is licensed or authorized in this State to place minors for adoption
• A 911 emergency responder at a location where the responder and the person have agreed to transfer the child

Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 13, § 1303

A person or facility to whom a child is delivered shall do the following:

• Take temporary custody of the child and ensure that he or she receives any necessary medical care
• Provide notice to a law enforcement agency that the person or facility has taken temporary custody of the child
• Provide notice to the Department for Children and Families that the person or facility has taken temporary custody of the child

Immunity for the Provider

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 13, § 1303

A person or facility to whom a child is delivered shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for any action taken.

Protection for Relinquishing Parent

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 13, § 1303

A person who abandons or exposes a child under the age of 2 years whereby the life or health of such child is endangered shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years or fined not more than $10,000, or both. It is not a violation of this section if a person voluntarily delivers a child not more than 30 days of age to a safe haven.

A person voluntarily delivering a child under this subsection shall not be required to reveal any personally identifiable information but may be offered the opportunity to provide information concerning the child's or family's medical history.

Effect on Parental Rights

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 13, § 1303

Upon receiving notice that a child has been relinquished, the Department for Children and Families shall take custody of the child as soon as practicable.