Rhode Island Safe Haven
Rhode Island is a Safe Haven state. If you are unable to care for your newborn baby, you—or another adult you designate—can surrender your baby at a Safe Haven location at any time. No questions asked.
Rhode Island’s Safe Haven law (R.I. Gen. Law 23-13.1-3) means you won’t have to worry about facing prosecution for child abandonment if:
- You surrender your newborn baby to a staff member at a Safe Haven location.
- Your newborn baby shows no signs of neglect or abuse during a medical exam.
Learn more about Safe Haven in Rhode Island (Spanish brochure, Portuguese brochure), including:
- Who can surrender a baby in Rhode Island.
- What happens to a surrendered baby.
- What happens if you change your mind and want your baby back.
How to find a Safe Haven location
You can find Safe Haven locations throughout Rhode Island. Go to any:
- Hospital
- Police station
- Fire station
- Open emergency medical facility
You can also call or text the National Safe Haven Alliance 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 1-888-510-BABY (1-888-510-2229) or visit nationalsafehavenalliance.org to find a Safe Haven location near you.
What information do I have to give when I surrender my baby?
You don’t have to give any information when you surrender a newborn baby, including your name or why you are surrendering the baby. If you want to give medical or other information about your baby to the Safe Haven location, you can. No one will try to talk you out of surrendering your baby or make you feel bad about your decision.
What happens to my baby if I surrender them?
Your baby will be cared for from the moment you surrender them at a Safe Haven location. The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) will place your baby with a foster family approved by the Rhode Island Family Court. A foster family will care for your baby for 90 days. After 90 days, a family approved by the Family Court may decide to adopt your baby.
What if I want to keep my baby but I’m not sure I can be a parent?
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) can help you get the support you need. Contact the RIDOH Health Information Line at 401-222-5960, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
The RIDOH Family Visiting Program provides prenatal support and services for infants and toddlers. Call the Health Information Line to get personalized support for you and your baby or visit familyvisitingri.org.
You can also contact the DCYF Family Support Line at 1-888-743-2659.