The Safe Haven Law

Gov. Heineman said today that he is calling a special session of the legislature to address the massive issues caused by no age limit with the Safe Have Law. The law, which in most states sets a limit of less than a year for a child to be dropped off, has been made a mockery of by parents of troubled teens. As of today, 24 teens, including 3 from out of state, have been dropped off at local hospitals and police stations.

I completely agree that the law needs to be changed, but I don't think 3 days, as Speaker Mike Flood of Norfolk suggests, is long enough. I think 3 days makes the decision to keep or give up rights to your child a pretty rash decision. I really think it should be extended to one year old. That allows parents time to seek parenting help without having to give up rights.