Two babies in custody after turned over through Safe Haven law in February

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says two baby girls are now in the department’s care after being turned over through the state’s Safe Haven Law.

HHS says a baby girl that was born February 8th and another girl that was born on February 12th will be placed with foster families until permanent placement is determined. These two cases bring the overall total to 76 infants since the law went into effect more than two decades ago. Iowa’s Safe Haven Act is an option for parents in crisis who determine they cannot care for an infant up to 90 days old.

Designated safe havens are locations like hospitals, police departments, and fire stations. HHS then works to place infants in an approved foster home while awaiting permanent adoption.