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Baby Safe Havens In Vermont


Safe places that you can give up your baby—anonymously and legally.

Read the Baby Safe Haven Brochure


What This Means

You, or someone acting for you, can bring your baby to a Safe Haven in Vermont — without fear of being arrested or charged.

To be covered by the law:

  • The baby must be no more than 30 days old,
  • The baby must not have been abused or neglected, and
  • You must physically hand the baby to a volunteer or employee at the Safe Haven.

Safe Havens In Vermont

A safe haven is any:

  • Fire or police station
  • Health care facility
  • Place of worship
  • Adoption agency licensed in Vermont
  • Place where an emergency responder, contacted through 911, agrees to meet you to receive your baby

What Will Happen

Depending on where you bring your baby, you may be offered medical help, counseling, or other support. You may accept or decline that help. Once you safely turn over your baby, you are free to leave.


What Will Happen To Your Baby

Someone at the Safe Haven will:

  • Receive your baby
  • Make sure they get any needed medical care
  • Contact us

What Happens Next

DCF will:

  • Place the baby in a pre-adoptive home
  • Start the legal procedure required to terminate parental rights
  • Proceed with the baby’s adoption

If You Change Your Mind

If you decide that you want to care for your baby, call 1-800-241-0891. You will be connected with staff with the Department for Children and Families who will explain your options and assist you through the process. You must act quickly. Without knowing your identity the Court process will move quickly. Once your child has been adopted you may not be able to have any contact with them until they are an adult.


    Learn More


    Please don't abandon your baby. There is a better way.

     

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    image of baby for Baby Safe Haven webpage
    CHILD ABUSE: 1-800-649-5285
    DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: 1-800-228-7395
    SEXUAL VIOLENCE: 1-800-489-7273
    PARENT HELPLINE:1-800-244-5373
    TEEN DATING: 1-866-331-9474