Safe Haven of PennsylvaniaAct 201 of 2002, also known as the The Newborn Protection Act, took effect in February 2003 and states that a parent of a newborn may leave the child in the care of a hospital without being criminally liable providing that the following criteria are met: - The parent expresses orally or through conduct that they intend for the hospital to accept the child, and;
- The newborn is not a victim of child abuse or criminal conduct.
A newborn is defined by this Act as a child less than 28 days of age as reasonably determined by a physician. Pennsylvania's program for newborn protection is known as "Safe Haven of Pennsylvania." The Act requires that designated hospital staff take protective custody of a newborn and perform a medical evaluation and any act necessary to care for and protect the physical health and safety of the child. The hospital is also required to notify the county Children and Youth agency and local law enforcement. The county Children and Youth agency is to make diligent efforts to notify a parent, guardian or other family member of the whereabouts of the newborn (unless prohibited by court order) and the reasons for the need for protective custody. The county Children and Youth agency will find a safe and permanent home for the baby. A statewide helpline has been established for women in crisis and individuals seeking information to be able to speak with a person regarding the program and to find out the location of the nearest hospital. A new Safe Haven Web site, www.secretsafe.org, was launched in 2006, tailored to expectant mothers. Educational materials related to the program can be downloaded from this Web site.Since 2003, four newborns have been relinquished at hospitals under the Safe Haven of Pennsylvania program. All four babies have been adopted. | 
