New Parents Have Options

Having a baby is a life changing event that can be both joyful and scary. Because of this, not everyone is ready to care for an infant and raise a child. If you or someone you know is having a baby or has recently had a baby and is not ready to be a parent, there are options available. While the soon-to-be mother or new parents think about these options, it is especially important to make sure the baby's safety and health are taken care of during this time.

Newborn Protection Act

The parent or parents of an infant less than 45 days old can leave their unharmed baby with an employee of a city or county health department, fire station, or medical facility under the Newborn Protection Act without being prosecuted. Staff at the facility where the baby is left will protect the health and safety of the infant and notify law enforcement. Law enforcement will deliver the infant to the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), and the process of locating an adoptive family for the infant will begin.

The Newborn Protection Act was created to give parents a "safe" place to leave their infants in situations where the parents are unable to plan for the birth of the infant, have been in denial about the pregnancy and birth of the infant, and do not have adequate support to care for the infant.

Child Placing Agencies

Soon-to-be mothers and parents can also choose to give up a baby, or a child of any age, at a licensed child placing agency in Kansas. Working with a child placing agency allows the parents identity to remain unknown. While both parents must give their consent to begin the child placing process, the state is not required to contact the baby's grandparents. The child's medical history is required to help the adoptive family care for the child.

Call the Parents Helpline at 1-800-332-6378 to find the nearest licensed child placing agency. Child placing agencies are licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.