Safe Haven

If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy in Florida and are exploring your pregnancy options, you may be wondering, “What is the difference between Safe Haven and a traditional adoption?”

In the State of Florida, if a child is seven-days-old or less, a mother may legally abandon a baby with an employee at a hospital, certain medical centers, or a fire station. This is known as a Safe Haven location. Once the child is received at the Safe Haven location, the child will go into foster care or other temporary care until the child is free for adoption in Florida. The Safe Haven law is a way for a mother to legally abandon her child. However, a traditional adoption offers the similar protections, but allows the mother more control over the child’s future and may allow her to receive some sort of financial support to help her through her post pregnancy recovery and with pregnancy related expenses.

By choosing a traditional adoption, or an after-birth adoption, a birth mother can be assured that her child will not go into foster care to await being available for adoption. A birth mother can also select the hopeful adoptive family that she wants to raise her child, and can decide whether to remain anonymous. Birth mothers who would like to stay in contact with the adopted child and their families can also do so through open adoption.

Traditional adoptions also allow for a birth mother to obtain assistance with pregnancy-related and post-partum expenses for up to six weeks after the baby’s birth. Finally, traditional adoptions are not limited to children seven-days-old or younger. You can make an adoption plan for a child before birth, at birth, or any time after birth.

If you are pregnant and unsure what to do, please reach out to us at The Adoption Law Offices of Madonna M. Finney.  If you’re in Florida, adoption is always an option. We’re available by phone or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (850) 308-1836.  We can assist you in determining what options are best for you and your baby. Your call or text is confidential and without cost or obligation.

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