N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:18-1.7 - Actions taken by police, firefighter, emergency medical responder, or hospital staff when infant brought to the police station, fire department, ambulance, or emergency department of hospital

(a) When a person appears at a police station, fire department, ambulance, or emergency department of a hospital with an infant and demonstrates, by action or in words, that he or she wishes to leave the infant behind, a police officer, firefighter, emergency medical responder, or hospital staff shall initiate action, as necessary, in an attempt to determine:

1. Whether the person is acting voluntarily, on his or her own volition; and

2. If the person intends to return for the infant or seeks to permanently give up all rights to the infant.

(b) If the police officer, fire fighter, emergency medical responder, or hospital staff determines that the person appears to be acting voluntarily, on his or her own volition, and has no intent to return for the infant, the police officer, firefighter, emergency medical responder, or hospital staff shall:

1. Advise the person of the right to remain anonymous in accordance with N.J.A.C. 3A:18-1.6(a);

2. Advise the person that he or she may voluntarily disclose information in accordance with N.J.A.C. 3A:18-1.6(b); and

3. Transport the infant or arrange for the infant's safe transport to a local hospital emergency department pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.7 a.

(c) If the infant is injured or appears to be abused or neglected, the police, firefighter, emergency medical responder, or hospital staff shall immediately notify the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in accordance with N.J.S.A. 9:6-8:10, and consult the county prosecutor in accordance with local protocols.

(d) The Division of State Police shall assist the Division representative to search listings of missing children pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.7.c and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 3A:18-1.10(a)2, to determine if the infant has been reported missing to the authorities.

1. A State Police detective shall contact the county prosecutor's office to advise the county prosecutor that a child who appears to be a safe haven infant has been brought to, and left at, a hospital in his or her jurisdiction.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:18-1.7

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