Florida Objectives

This educational presentation “A Safe Haven for Newborns – Saving One Life at a Time” is a self-directed, on-line program designed to introduce the learner to the issues surrounding infant abandonment, the Safe haven statutes in Florida as well as the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals, fire and rescue, law enforcement and DCF when presented with a surrendered baby. The program also introduces the learner to the resources available through A Safe Haven for Newborns and the processes which take place when an infant is placed under the Safe Haven statute.

Course Name:       “A Safe Haven for Newborns-Saving One Life at a Time”
Course Awarded: One (1) C.E.U. with a Certificate of Course completion for the following Florida Boards:

                              Nursing (RN, LPN, &CNA), Dentistry, Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, Respiratory Care

Other professions can self-submit to their regulatory agency.

Course Duration:  One (1) hour
Course Fee:           No charge for people who just need a certificate.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this program, the learner will:

• Be able to identify the problem of surrendered babies inclusive of at risk target demographics, incidence of abandonment, risks associated with surrendered babies.
• Gain knowledge about the Safe Haven statute in Florida, its requirements and intent.
• Identify which are the designated Safe Haven facilities.
• Be able to recognize a Safe Haven event when it is occurring, understand their role and responsibilities.
• Understand the vital importance of protecting the parent(s) anonymity.
• Be introduced to the legal and financial issues involved with accepting a Safe Haven baby.
• Develop an understanding of parental rights regarding a Safe Haven baby in Florida.
• Gain knowledge of the “A Safe Haven for Newborns” program, the resources available and its role in providing educational and public awareness programs as well as maintaining data and statistics regarding Safe Haven activities throughout Florida.

OVERVIEW

The Safe Haven Law permits the parents or whoever is in possession of an unharmed newborn, approximately 7 days old or less to be left at a Safe Haven (No questions asked, totally anonymous, free from fear of prosecution).

SUBJECT MATTER

• a)Infant Abandonment
• b)What is the Safe Haven Law
• c)Providing Care/ Placement of infant
• d)When to involve DCF
• e)Legal Issues
• f)Financial/Billing
• g)Parental Rights
• h)Safe Haven Programs
• i)Public Awareness
• j)Discharging a Safe Haven newborn
• k)Quiz
• l)About A Safe Haven for Newborns

TEACHING STRATEGIES

Online presentation and 20 question test.

BIBLIOGRAPHY / REFERENCES

Florida Statues-383.50/HB-7007

A Safe Haven for Newborns website: www.asafehavenfornewborns.com

Florida Adoption Information Center (1-800-96ADOPT)