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8.01.2025

Nevada’s Safe Haven Law - Keeping Babies Safe and Giving Parents Options

Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Sometimes, people are not ready to be parents or find themselves in a difficult situation. In those moments, they may feel scared, confused, or unsure of what to do. That’s where Nevada’s Safe Haven Law can help.

This law was created to give parents a safe, legal, and private way to give up their newborn babies if they are not able to care for them. It helps protect both the baby and the parent from harm. In this article, we will explain what the Safe Haven Law is, how it works, and why it’s important.

What Is the Safe Haven Law?

Nevada’s Safe Haven Law allows a parent to leave their newborn baby with a responsible person at a safe place without getting into trouble. This is sometimes called “baby safe haven” or “safe surrender.”

The goal of this law is to prevent babies from being hurt, left alone, or abandoned in unsafe places. It also gives parents who feel they have no other choice a legal and caring way to give up their baby.

When Was the Law Passed?

Nevada passed its Safe Haven Law in 2001, after other states created similar laws. These laws came after some very sad situations where newborns were left in unsafe places, such as parks, restrooms, or dumpsters. The goal was to save lives and give parents a better option.

Who Can Use the Safe Haven Law?

In Nevada, either parent—the mother or the father—can safely give up their newborn baby. The law also allows a person who has the parent’s permission (like a family member or friend) to leave the baby at a safe haven location.

The person leaving the baby does not have to give their name or any personal information. They will not be arrested or punished for leaving the baby, as long as:

• The baby is no more than 30 days old
• The baby has not been hurt or abused
• The baby is left at a safe place

Where Can You Leave a Baby?

Nevada’s law says you can leave the baby at the following safe locations:

• A hospital
• A fire station
• A police station
• An ambulance station
• Any emergency medical service provider

These places are called “designated safe havens.” There must be a staff person present when the baby is handed over.

Important note: You should try to give the baby to a person directly. Don’t leave the baby outside a door or in a box. Handing the baby to a person helps make sure the baby is safe right away.

What Happens After the Baby Is Left?

Once a baby is left at a safe haven location, here’s what happens:

1. Medical Check: The baby is checked by medical staff to make sure they are healthy and safe.
2. Child Protection Services (CPS): The baby is placed in the care of the local child protective services agency (Nevada Division of Child & Family Services, Clark County Family Services, or Washoe County Human Services Agency).
3. Foster Care or Adoption: The baby may be placed in a foster home or adopted by a family that is ready to care for them.
4. No Legal Action Against the Parent: If the baby is unharmed and left the right way, the parent will not be charged with a crime.

This process keeps the baby safe and gives the parent peace of mind knowing the child is being cared for.

Can You Change Your Mind?

Yes. If a parent changes their mind after leaving the baby, they can still try to get the baby back—but it must happen quickly. The parent will need to contact child welfare services and may have to go through a court process to prove they can safely care for the baby.

The longer the parent waits, the harder it will be to regain custody, especially if the baby has already been placed in an adoptive home.

What About the Baby’s Medical Information?

It is very helpful if the parent (or person leaving the baby) provides some basic information, such as:

• The baby’s date of birth
• The mother’s pregnancy history
• Any medical conditions that run in the family

The staff at the safe haven location may give the parent a form to fill out. But filling it out is voluntary—it’s not required. Giving this information can help doctors provide better care and help the child in the future.

What Happens to the Parent?

As long as the parent follows the rules of the Safe Haven Law—meaning the baby is:

• 30 days old or younger
• Unharmed
• Left at a safe location with a responsible person

—then the parent will not be arrested or charged with a crime.

This law is not meant to punish anyone. It is meant to offer help and save lives.

Why Do People Use the Safe Haven Law?

There are many reasons why someone may not be ready to raise a child. Some of these reasons include:

• They are very young and not ready to be a parent
• They don’t have enough money or support
• They are in an unsafe relationship or home
• They are dealing with mental health or substance use issues
• They feel scared, alone, or unsure of what to do

The Safe Haven Law gives them a safe, legal, and loving choice when they feel they have no other options.

What Happens If the Law Is Not Followed?

If a baby is left in an unsafe place or hurt in any way, the parent can face serious consequences, including criminal charges like child neglect or abuse.

That’s why it’s so important to know the law and use it correctly.

What If Someone Finds a Baby?

If you ever find a baby who seems to have been left under the Safe Haven Law, you should:

1. Call 911 right away
2. Do not leave the baby alone
3. Keep the baby safe and warm until help arrives

Law enforcement or emergency responders will take over from there.

Final Thoughts

Being a parent is a big responsibility, and sometimes people just aren’t ready or able to do it. That’s okay. Nevada’s Safe Haven Law is here to help.

If you, or someone you know, feels overwhelmed or scared after giving birth, know that there is a safe and loving choice available. The Safe Haven Law lets you protect your baby’s life—and your own future—by placing the child in a safe home without fear of punishment.

It’s never easy to give up a child, but this law helps turn a painful moment into one of hope—hope for a baby to grow up in a loving family, and hope for a parent to heal and move forward.

If you or someone you know is pregnant and unsure what to do, please reach out for help. Talk to a doctor, social worker, school counselor, or call a local support line. You are not alone, and there are people who care and want to help.

Additional Resources:

National Safe Haven Alliance has information on Safe Haven laws in all states. You can also call or text the Safe Haven Crisis Helpline 24/7 at 1-888-510-BABY (1-888-510-2229).

Maternal Mental Health Hotline – Get help with maternal depression and other mental health needs. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

Crisis Support Services of Nevada provides 24/7, free, confidential and care support to people in crisis. Call or text 988.