Tenth Instance Of Safe Haven Law Occurred On Monday, October 13, Nebraska - Child From Another State Left At A Hospital

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 15 Oct 2008 - 6:00 PST

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Todd Landry, director of the Division of Children and Family Services for the Department of Health and Human Services, said a 13-year-old Michigan boy was left at Creighton University Medical Center through LB 157, Nebraska's "safe haven" law, on October 13.

"We now have our second case where a child from another state has been left at a Nebraska hospital," Landry said. "We have made a formal report of the abandonment to the Michigan Department of Human Services."

Landry said the department is working with Michigan officials and the Douglas County Attorney's office to resolve this situation as quickly as possible. The Department has also been in contact with the boy's family since the child was dropped off.

This is the 10th instance of use of LB 157 and the 18th child left at a hospital under the law since September 13. LB 157 went into effect on July 18.

More information about Nebraska's safe haven law, as well as information about local resources for families, can be found on the Department's Website.

DHHS offices can also provide information about options and resources. To find your local DHHS office, go to www.dhhs.ne.gov/map/mapindex.htm.