Under the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, parents, guardians, or other legally responsible persons who are unable to care for their newborn infants may anonymously and safely leave their infant in the care of a responsible person at a hospital, police station, fire station or a responsible person at another safe location.

For more information regarding other suitable locations in your city and state, contact your local district attorney's office.

The Abandoned Infant Protection Act creates an affirmative defense* to prosecution for Abandonment of a child under Penal Law section 260.00, where the parent, guardian, or other legally responsible person intended to abandon a child who is not more than five days old, providing that the parent, guardian, or other legally responsible person:

• intended that the child be safe from physical injury and cared for in an appropriate manner
• left the child with an appropriate person or in a suitable location
• promptly notified an appropriate person of the child's location

The Abandoned Infant Protection Act adds to the affirmative defense to prosecution for Endangering the Welfare of a Child under Penal Law section 260.10 based upon the alleged desertion of a child not more than five days old, providing that the parent, guardian, or other legally responsible person:

• intended that the child be safe from physical injury and cared for in an appropriate manner
• left the child with an appropriate person or in a suitable location
• promptly notified an appropriate person of the child's location

Consider Adoption: A Loving Family is Ready and Willing

In New York State there are many prospective adoptive families searching for a child to become a part of their family. If you are considering the option not to parent your child, adoption will provide your child with a safe and loving home. New York State adoption agencies use a statewide process to find permanent homes for children so they are provided the opportunity to thrive and develop in a secure and devoted family.

Currently identified adoptive families vary in age, income, lifestyle, and financial and marital status. There is no "typical" adoptive family. Whether a prospective adoptive parent is single or married, old or young, childless or a parent, renter or homeowner selecting a family for a child is done with the best interest of the child in mind. Selection is done on a case-by-case basis. Adoptive families are:

• Willing to learn about the unique needs of an adoptive child;
• Patient and loving;
• Energetic and giving;
• Able to provide a secure environment;
• Equipped to meet the needs of a growing child.

If you would like help in finding a family for your child call the New York State Parent Connection Helpline at 1-800-345-KIDS (5437).

For more information regarding the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, call toll free:
1-866-505-SAFE (7233).