Every state has different laws regarding child abandonment. Some states define abandonment as a specific crime, covered by dedicated legislation. Others include abandonment in broader child abuse or child endangerment laws. In many states, you can abandon a newborn child at a designated "safe haven" without fear of criminal charges. There are many alternatives to abandoning a child, and support is available for parents or caregivers who feel they cannot cope with parenting.
Safe Haven Laws
Forty-seven states have enacted "safe haven" laws, which allow relinquishing parents to leave their newborn babies at a safe place without fear of prosecution. In all states, a hospital is the preferred place to relinquish a child. Some states also allow parents to leave babies at fire stations, police stations or with emergency medical services.
Abandoning Baby
You can find information and confidential advice about relinquishing a baby in your state (See Resources). Depending on where you live, you may have as little as 72 hours or as long as one month to relinquish your newborn baby under safe haven laws. The state you live in also determines whether you can reclaim your infant after abandoning them. As of 2007, 18 states have provisions allowing relinquishing parents to reclaim their children.
Abandoning Older Child
Child abandonment does not just refer to physically relinquishing your child. In general, a child may be considered abandoned when the identity or whereabouts of the child's parents are unknown, the parent has left the child in a situation where the child has been harmed; or the parent has failed to maintain contact and support the child for an extended period of time.
Punishments for Child Abandonment
The punishment for abandoning your child depends on the state you live in and the degree of neglect involved. If the child is seriously harmed, physically or sexually abused, or dies after being abandoned, the abandoning parent or caregiver will likely face felony charges.
Alternatives And Support
The alternatives to abandoning your child are numerous. Every state has an office for child and family services, which can direct you to support networks and counseling in your area. Church groups and charities also provide valuable support for parents and caregivers. Talk to your family, friends, doctor or religious group about your concerns as a parent.
Reporting Abandoned Child
If you suspect a child has been abandoned by its parents, foster carers or regular guardians, you should make a report to the department of child welfare in your state or to local police. In most cases, reports can be made confidentially.
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