Michigan Safe Delivery Act
Forever Families provides adoptive homes for children through the Michigan Safe Delivery Act.
The Michigan Safe Delivery Act (also known as the Safe Surrender Law or Safe Haven Law) allows a parent to legally, confidentially, and safely surrender their unharmed newborn, up to 72 hours old, to any hospital, fire station, police station, or EMS worker / paramedics or by calling 911. The worker accepting the surrendered infant must be on-duty at the time of the surrender. The surrendering parent will need to sign two forms acknowledging that they understand what they are doing and to voluntarily provide medical history. It is encouraged that the surrendering parent leave their name, contact information, medical history, information on the pregnancy, and information on the infant, but it is not legally required.
After the surrender, the infant would be assessed by a doctor to ensure there was no abuse or neglect. After being medically cleared, an adoption agency (such as Forever Families) would be called to find immediate adoptive placement with an approved adoptive family. After this, nothing further is needed from the biological parents to move forward with the adoption. Surrendering parents do NOT need to go to court.
The surrendering parent has 28 days from the surrender to petition with the court and regain custody. Efforts will be made to notify the non-surrendering parent about the surrender and when the termination of parental rights hearing is scheduled. After the termination trial, the adoption will move towards finalized.
As a surrendering parent, you can request that the Emergency Service Provider or hospital social worker call Forever Families in Livonia, Michigan to find an adoptive home for your baby.
The law went into effect on 01/01/2001.
The MDHHS Safe Delivery 24 hour hotline number is (866) 733-7733.
Safe Delivery Brochure
Download or preview the MDHHS Safe Delivery of Newborns brochure.
More information about Michigan’s Safe Delivery Act can be found at:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/safe-delivery