4104R Procedure Regarding Lawfully Abandoning a Newborn Baby ## Procedures Regarding ## Lawfully Abandoning A Newborn Baby

Under North Carolina law, Avery County Schools is required to give you information on the manner on which a parent may lawfully abandon a newborn baby with a responsible person.

The following people are required by law to take temporary custody of an infant under seven days of age voluntarily delivered by the infant’s parent who does not express an intent to return for the infant:

(1) A health care provider who is on duty or at a hospital or at a local or district health department or at a nonprofit community health center; (2) A law enforcement officer who is on duty or at a police station or sheriff's department; (3) A social services worker who is on duty or at a local department of social services; or (4) A certified emergency medical service worker who is on duty or at a fire or emergency medical services station.

In addition, any adult may, but is not required to, take into temporary custody an infant under seven days of age voluntarily delivered by the infant’s parent who does not express an intent to return for the infant.

In any case, the individual who takes the infant into custody may inquire as to the parents’ identities and as to any relevant medical history, but the parent is not required to provide the information.

A parent who follows these procedures for safe surrender of a newborn infant cannot be prosecuted for misdemeanor child abuse or child abandonment.

Anyone who is struggling with these issues is encouraged to speak to a teacher, parent, administrator, guidance counselor, or other responsible adult.

Approved: 2008-08-04