A newborn was safely surrendered at a South Carolina hospital under Daniel’s Law. The South Carolina Department of Social Services announced that healthcare professionals at Summerville Medical Center accepted the infant on Tuesday. The SC Safe Haven for Abandoned Babies Act allows parents to safely and legally surrender infants up to 60 days old at designated locations.
The baby boy was born on Sunday, weighing 8 pounds and measuring 19.2 inches in length. As per the provisions of the Safe Haven for Abandoned Babies Act, custody of the newborn was transferred to Dorchester County DSS. After the baby is discharged from the hospital, he will be placed in a licensed foster home.
Any person who wishes to assert parental rights will have the opportunity to do so at the Permanency Planning Hearing scheduled for November 2nd at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will take place at the Dorchester County Family Court, located at 212 Deming Way in Summerville, SC.
The Safe Haven for Abandoned Babies Act is aimed at providing a safe and compassionate alternative for parents who are unable to care for their newborns. It ensures that infants can be surrendered without fear of legal consequences, protecting their well-being in the process.
This incident highlights the importance of raising awareness about the Safe Haven law and the options available to parents in difficult situations. It serves as a reminder to communities to support and educate individuals about the resources available to them if they find themselves unable to care for their newborns.