(Des Moines, IA) – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), today (Friday) said “Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby girl, born July 30 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and will be placed with foster families until permanent placement is determined.”

Officials say that brings the overall total to 71 infants since the law went into effect more than two decades ago.  This is the fifth case so far in 2024. In 2023, ten infants were relinquished to HHS custody under the Safe Haven Act.

Iowa’s Safe Haven Act is an option for parents in crisis who determine they cannot care for an infant up to 90 days old. Designated safe havens are locations like hospitals, police and fire stations, etc. Iowa HHS then works to place infants in in approved foster homes while awaiting permanent adoption.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child, visit https://iowafosterandadoption.org/ to learn more about becoming an approved foster or adoptive family. For more information on Iowa’s Safe Haven, visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/CPS/safe-haven.