N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:18-1.4 - Role of the State Central Registry for safe haven infant cases

(a) The State Central Registry maintains the 24-hour, toll-free hotline for accepting calls related to safe haven for infants pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.9.

(b) The hotline shall be known as the Safe Haven for Infants Hotline, and can be reached by dialing 1-877-839-2339.

(c) The hotline shall serve the following purposes:

1. To provide information, support and guidance to persons who may be considering giving up or abandoning a newborn or an unborn child;

2. To receive and process a call from a hospital emergency department, when a live infant is brought there from a police station, fire department, ambulance, or when a live infant is brought directly to the hospital emergency department by a parent or other person acting on behalf of the parent pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.7.b. Upon receipt of the call from a hospital emergency department, a hotline representative shall document the incident in writing;

3. To provide education and information to the public to:

i. Promote safe placement alternatives for newborn infants;

ii. Explain procedures established by N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.5 et seq., including the confidentiality offered to parents pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.7.g, and that N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.7.e provides for an affirmative defense to prosecution for abandonment;

iii. Explain adoption procedures applicable under New Jersey State law; and

iv. Refer adoption inquiries to the appropriate office or agency in the Department of Children and Families; and

4. To monitor the handling of safe haven infant inquiries and calls.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:18-1.4

Administrative Change, 49 N.J.R. 98a. Amended by 50 N.J.R. 133(b), effective 1/2/2018