Safe Haven for Newborns Information Safe Haven, also known as “newborn relinquishment,” allows a parent to leave their newborn in a safe place in certain circumstances with certain individuals. 03/27/26 Update: 2025 Wisconsin Act 94 went into effect on March 15, 2026, and makes various changes to the Safe Haven law in Wisconsin, including increasing the age for relinquishment from 72 hours to 30 days. This Act Memo prepared by the Wisconsin Legislative Council gives an overview of the changes. DCF is working on updating this website, policy materials and other documents to reflect these changes. DCF recognizes that, with the law now in effect, agencies may receive a relinquishment report before updated materials are available. For policy related questions, please contact the Division of Safety and Permanence. For any case specific questions, please consult your agency’s legal counsel. How does Safe Haven (Newborn Relinquishment) work? Under Wisconsin Statutes § 48.195, a parent can leave their unharmed newborn (under 72 hours old) anonymously and without fear of prosecution in a newborn infant safety device as defined in 48.195(1b)(b) or with a: Law enforcement officer Emergency medical services practitioner Hospital staff member without fear of legal consequences. If you do not indicate that you will be back for your child this is called “Safe Haven” or “Newborn Relinquishment.” You do not have to give your name or address to the professional accepting the newborn, unless: The newborn has been harmed You are being forced by someone to give up the newborn The newborn is more than 72 hours old You may be asked if you are willing to fill out a form. This form is NOT required. It will, however, help providers give the best care to your newborn now and in the future. Questions About You and the Newborn - English Questions About You and the Newborn - Hmong Questions About You and the Newborn - Spanish What if I change my mind? If you change your mind, please contact the County Human or Social Services Department in the county where you left the newborn with a professional under the Safe Haven law. Before the county will consider returning the newborn to you, you must first prove you are the newborn’s parent. A genetic test can prove you are the parent. If you are the parent, you must take a number of steps before the child may be returned to you, including: Meeting with a County Social Worker; Having the County worker visit your home or where you plan on living with the child; Providing information on why you gave up the newborn; Providing information on the health of the newborn; Providing information on your ability to care for the newborn, including parenting skills; Providing information on anything that may keep you from caring for the newborn; and Providing information on your relationship with the newborn’s other parent. Based on all of this information, you may be asked to receive services to make sure the child will be safe in your care. The county and the court will make the final decision on the child’s return to your home. Health Information for Birth Mothers After women give birth they experience physical and emotional changes. Information about these changes and warning signs that could indicate you have serious health issues are reviewed in this handout. Information Hotlines Maternal and Child Health Hotline provides information and links to services for pregnant and postpartum women and children. Hotline: 1-800-722-2295 Safe Place for Newborns provides information on Safe Haven laws and crisis support. Crisis Number: 1-877-440-2229 Additional Information Learn about birth parent support at the Wisconsin Family Connections Center or call 1-800-762-8063. There is also information for parents or soon-to-be parent thinking about adoption for their child(ren).
