Florida Safe Haven Law PDF

Policy Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District 407 Fire Services Manual Florida Safe Haven Law 407.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This policy establishes the guidelines to comply with the Florida Safe Haven Law (§ 383.50, Fla. Stat.). This policy addresses infants who are seven days old or younger an...

Policy Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District 407 Fire Services Manual Florida Safe Haven Law 407.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This policy establishes the guidelines to comply with the Florida Safe Haven Law (§ 383.50, Fla. Stat.). This policy addresses infants who are seven days old or younger and are surrendered under the terms of the Safe Haven Law. Abandonment of an infant not covered by this policy would be subject to the Child Abuse Policy. 407.2 POLICY It is the policy of the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District to provide an option to protect infants by allowing parents to safely and confidentially surrender an infant at any full-time staffed fire station that has been designated as a safe-surrender site. 407.3 GUIDELINES The Fire Chief shall identify qualified personnel to take custody of surrendered infants and ensure that such qualified personnel are available to receive any surrendered infants. The following guidelines will be used by personnel at all district stations, except Admin building: (a) (b) Site preparation: 1. All district stations should clearly display the appropriate safe haven signage identifying the station as a drop-off location. In addition, fire station lobbies should display public outreach brochures. 2. All district stations should have a person designated as responsible to order, maintain, and inventory, on a monthly basis, the public outreach brochures and the Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire. Accepting a surrendered infant: 1. Qualified personnel shall accept a surrendered infant, even if the infant appears older than seven days. If the infant appears to be older than seven days, the receiving personnel should immediately notify law enforcement and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), as provided in the Child Abuse Policy: (a) DCF SunCoast Region - Available agents from 7am to 6pm Mon-Fri 1-850-300-4323, Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771. 2. If it appears that the infant has been the victim of child abuse or neglect, law enforcement personnel should be requested as provided in the Child Abuse Policy. 3. Personnel should notify Lee Control Emergency Dispatch Center of a medical aid at the station, and request an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance and/ or a paramedic unit, if they are not available in quarters. Avoid radio traffic declaring a safe surrender to maintain confidentiality. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Florida Safe Haven Law - 1 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual Florida Safe Haven Law (c) (d) Following acceptance of an infant: 1. Receiving personnel shall make a good faith effort to have the parent provide the medical history of the infant and of both parents by filling out a Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire. 2. The parent should be encouraged to accompany the infant to the hospital to give the medical history directly to the hospital staff and should be reassured that the same protection from prosecution and the ability to surrender the infant is available at the hospital. 3. If the parent does not wish to accompany the infant to the hospital, the parent should be encouraged to complete the Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire and should be given assistance, if needed. 4. If the parent is unwilling to complete the Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire and unwilling to accompany the infant to the hospital, personnel should make a good faith effort to provide the parent with any forms or written materials to be filled out later and returned by mail. Medical assessment and documentation: 1. A qualified health care professional shall assess the infant to identify any immediate treatment needs and complete a Pre-Hospital Care Report (PCR) for the incident. 2. If the parent is the birth mother, a qualified health care professional should attempt to assess and treat her as necessary and pursuant to established Emergency Medical Services (EMS) protocols. If treated, the mother should be listed as "Safe Haven Mom" to protect her anonymity. (a) (e) (f) Do not use the parent's name on the PCR. Transportation to the hospital: 1. Paramedics shall accompany the infant and parent (if the person is willing to accompany the infant) to the nearest hospital with emergency services. 2. The receiving hospital will take custody of the infant and make immediate notification to DCF. Additional notifications and media concerns: 1. The receiving personnel shall notify Lee Control Emergency Dispatch Center and the appropriate supervisor as soon as possible. 2. The supervisor will notify the Battalion Chief, duty officer, and the District Public Relations Officer (PRO). 3. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) may, as circumstances dictate, provide the following limited facts to the media: (a) Date, time, and fire station where the infant was surrendered (b) Local DCF representative's name and telephone number Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Florida Safe Haven Law - 2 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual Florida Safe Haven Law (c) (g) (h) Under no circumstances shall the parent or surrendering person's name be released to the public or media Individuals who return to claim an infant: 1. If a parent who voluntarily surrendered an infant requests return of the infant, the parent should be referred to DCF. 2. The identity of the parent must still be kept anonymous and confidential. 3. District members should not make any judgments about time frames or the individual's ability to care for the infant. The local DCF will determine whether the infant is released to the individual. Community donations: 1. Community groups, volunteers, foundations, and individuals may express interest in helping with this program. Some may want to donate baby supplies, such as baby food, diapers, or blankets, directly to the fire station. The following guidelines are established: (a) Only new baby blankets in the original wrapper should be accepted. (b) Donors who wish to donate any other baby-related items, such as clothes, baby food, or diapers, should be directed to a local social service agency and/or reputable charities. 407.4 SAFE HAVEN INFORMATION: See attachment: Safe Haven Information.pdf See attachment: Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire.pdf Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Florida Safe Haven Law - 3 Attachment Fire Services Manual Safe Haven Information .pdf Safe Haven Information .pdf Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Safe Haven Information .pdf - 5 Attachment Fire Services Manual Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire.pdf Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire.pdf Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire.pdf - 6 SAFE HAVEN MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE YOU MAY ASK THE MOTHER OR FATHER IF SHE OR HE IS WILLING TO PROVIDE ANY HEALTH INFORMATION THAT MAY BE IMPORTANT FOR THE CHILD TO KNOW IN HIS OR HER FUTURE. IT IS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW FOR HER OR HIM TO DO SO. Dear Birth Mother (You are not required to provide any information, but please read on): You have taken the first step in assuring that your child will be safe and well taken care of. We know this has been a very difficult decision for you, and we want to assure you that we will give your child the best possible care. We are asking for your help by providing some health information that may be important for your child to know in his or her future. This information is important for your child's care, and will be most helpful for the adoptive family. The information will be used only for this purpose. It will not be used to identify you or find you. You may not know all of the answers - Please provide as much information as you do know. What is the baby's birth date? _________ Was the baby premature? _____ If yes, when was the approximate date you Became pregnant? __________________________________________________________________________ Were there any problems with the pregnancy or delivery? If yes, please describe: Did you smoke, use alcohol, drugs or any medication during the pregnancy? If yes, please list them: Do you have any medical conditions such as: Does the baby's Father have any medical conditions such as: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Diabetes Asthma Allergies Seizures Cancer Heart Disease High Blood Pressure Mental illness □ Arthritis □ Eye problems □ Hearing Impairment □ Other (explain) Diabetes Asthma Allergies Seizures Cancer Heart Disease High Blood Pressure Mental illness □ Arthritis □ Eye problems □ Hearing Impairment □ Other (explain) What is your: Age: _____ Race: ______________ What it is the baby's father's Age: _____ Race: ______________ Height: _____ Weight: ____________ Height: _____ Weight: _____________ To your knowledge are there any hereditary conditions that run in your family, or the father's family? Please feel free to include a note to your baby, or to the people who will adopt your child. You can use the back of this form. You can provide this information before you leave, or email it to: [email protected]. You have given your baby a special gift by providing this medical information. You have taken good care of your baby; now please take care of yourself. It is now important that you personally get a medical check-up - you will remain anonymous, just as the law allows. We can assist you. 24/7 Confidential Helpline: 1-877-767-2229 CUESTIONARIO MÉDICO DE SAFE HAVEN YOU MAY ASK THE MOTHER OR FATHER IF SHE OR HE IS WILLING TO PROVIDE ANY HEALTH INFORMATION THAT MAY BE IMPORTANT FOR THE CHILD TO KNOW IN HIS OR HER FUTURE. IT IS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW FOR HER OR HIM TO DO SO. Estimada madre biológica (no es necesario que proporciones ninguna información, pero por favor sigue leyendo): Has dado el primer paso para asegurarte de que tu hijo esté seguro y bien cuidado. Sabemos que esta ha sido una decisión muy difícil para ti, y queremos asegurarte que le brindaremos a tu hijo la mejor atención posible. Te estamos pidiendo que nos ayudes y proporciones cierta información de salud que puede ser importante que tu hijo sepa en el futuro. Esta información es importante para el cuidado de tu hijo y será de gran ayuda para la familia adoptiva. La información se usará solo para este fin. No se utilizará para identificarte ni para buscarte. Es posible que no tengas respuesta para todas las preguntas. Danos toda la información que sí sepas. ¿Cuál es la fecha de nacimiento del bebé? ¿El bebé nació prematuro? ____ En caso afirmativo, ¿cuál es la fecha aproximada en la que quedaste embarazada? ____________________________________________________________________________ ¿Hubo algún problema con el embarazo o el parto? En caso afirmativo, describe: ________________________________________________________________________ ¿Fumaste, consumiste alcohol, drogas o algún medicamento durante el embarazo? En caso afirmativo, enuméralos: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ¿Tienes alguna de estas condiciones? □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Diabetes Asma Alergias Convulsiones Cáncer Enfermedad cardíaca Presión alta Enfermedad mental □ Artritis □ Problemas de la vista □ Discapacidad auditiva □ Otro (explicar) ¿El padre del bebé tiene alguna de estas condiciones? □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Diabetes Asma Alergias Convulsiones Cáncer Enfermedad cardíaca Presión alta Enfermedad mental □ Artritis □ Problemas de la vista □ Discapacidad auditiva □ Otro (explicar) Tus datos personales: Edad: ____ Raza: ______________ Datos personales del padre: Edad:_____ Raza: _______________ Estatura:____ Peso: ______________ Estatura: ____ Peso: _______________ Que tú sepas, ¿hay alguna condición hereditaria en tu familia o en la familia del padre? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ No dudes en incluir una nota para tu bebé o para las personas que lo adoptarán. Puedes usar el reverso de este formulario. Puedes proporcionar esta información antes de irte o enviarla por correo electrónico a: [email protected]. Le has dado un regalo especial a tu bebé al brindarle esta información médica. Cuidaste bien a tu bebé; ahora cuídate tú. Ahora es importante que tú te hagas un chequeo médico; permanecerás en el anonimato, tal como lo permite la ley. Podemos ayudarte. Línea de ayuda confidencial disponible 24/7: 1-877-767-2229 KESYONÈ MEDIKAL SAFE HAVEN YOU MAY ASK THE MOTHER OR FATHER IF SHE OR HE IS WILLING TO PROVIDE ANY HEALTH INFORMATION THAT MAY BE IMPORTANT FOR THE CHILD TO KNOW IN HIS OR HER FUTURE. IT IS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW FOR HER OR HIM TO DO SO Chè Manman Natirèl (Ou pa oblije bay okenn enfòmasyon, men tanpri kontinye li): Ou te pran premye pa pou garanti pitit ou pral an sekirite epi li pral gen yon moun pou pran swen li byen. Nou konnen desizyon sa a te difisil anpil pou ou, epi nou vle asire w nou pral bay pitit ou pi bon swen posib. N ap mande èd ou pou nou ka jwenn enfòmasyon sante ki ka enpòtan pou pitit ou konnen pi devan. Enfòmasyon sa yo enpòtan pou swen pitit ou, epi yo pral pi itil toujou pou fanmi adoptif la. Se sèlman pou rezon sa a nou pral itilize enfòmasyon yo. Nou pa pral itilize yo pou idantifye ou oswa pou jwenn ou. Ou gendwa pa konnen tout repons yo -Tanpri bay mezi enfòmasyon ou konnen. Ki dat ti bebe a te fèt? _______________ Èske ti bebe a te fèt prematire? Si repons la se wi, vè ki dat ou te ansent? ______________________________________________________________________________ Èske te gen okenn pwoblèm ak gwosès la oswa akouchman an? Si se wi, tanpri dekri: Èske ou te fimen, bwè alkòl, pran dwòg oswa nenpòt medikaman pandan gwosès la? Si se wi, tanpri ekri yo la a: Èske ou gen okenn pwoblèm medikal tankou: Èske Papa tibebe a gen nenpòt pwoblèm medikal tankou: ☐ Dyabèt ☐ Opresyon ☐ Alèji ☐ Kriz ☐ Kansè ☐ Maladi kè ☐ Tansyon wo ☐ Maladi mantal ☐ Dyabèt ☐ Opresyon ☐ Alèji ☐ Kriz ☐ Kansè ☐ Maladi kè ☐ Tansyon wo ☐ Maladi mantal ☐ Rematis ☐ Pwoblèm je ☐ Pwoblèm pou tande ☐ Lòt (eksplike) ☐ Rematis ☐ Pwoblèm je ☐ Pwoblèm pou tande ☐ Lòt (eksplike) Nou bezwen enfòmasyon sa yo sou oumenm? Laj: ________ Ras: ______________ Nou bezwen enfòmasyon sa yo sou papa a: Laj: ________ Ras: _______________ Wotè: _____ Pwa:_______________ Wotè: _____ Pwa: ________________ Selon sa ou konnen, èske fanmi oumenm oswa fanmi papa a gen okenn maladi ereditè nan fanmi nou? Ou mèt kite yon nòt pou bebe ou a, oswa moun yo ki pral adopte pitit ou a. Ou ka itilize do fòm sa a. Ou ka bay enfòmasyon sa yo avan ou pati, oswa imèl yo bay: [email protected] Ou bay tibebe w la yon bèl kado lè w bay enfòmasyon medikal sa yo. Ou te pran bon swen bebe w la; kounye a tanpri pran swen tèt ou. Kounye a la li enpòtan pou w fè yon egzamen medikal pou tèt ou - non ou ap rete anonim, nan mezi lalwa pèmèt sa. Nou ka ede ou. Liy Èd Konfidansyèl 24 sou 24, 7 jou sou 7: 1-877-767-2229