Jefferson Healthcare will accept temporary physical custody of and provide care for unwanted, unharmed newborns less than 72 hours old who are brought into the hospital by a parent and left with a staff member of the Emergency department. If medical assessment reveals intentional injury or abuse to the newborn, the Safe Baby policy will not be utilized, and appropriate authorities will be contacted to arrange investigation by Child Protective Services.

Reference: RCW 13.34.360, Transfer of newborn to qualified person.

The purpose of Safe Baby is to save the lives and preserve the health of unwanted newborns in danger of abandonment, injury, or death. Jefferson Healthcare will work with the Jefferson County social services to offer confidential protective shelter to well newborns less than 72 hours old.