AMT Children of Hope Safe Haven program was founded 2000 by all the members of the AMT of the Nassau County Police Department. After a series of infanticides, the program was established. It has since expanded beyond just AMT members.

This non-profit organization has a national reach and will protect the identity of individuals who want to relinquish their parental rights.

According to www.amtchildrenofhope.com , the purpose of a safe haven is to do what is necessary to prevent infanticide. Its goal is to accept unwanted newborns from individuals who wish to give up custody. It's not an organization of trained counselors, therapists or social workers, but they will refer individuals who are capable of providing advice and counseling to pre-and postpartum women. For more information, call (516)781-3511 or visit www.amtchildrenofhope.com .

In June 2000, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to allow newborns up to 5 days old to be left in safe havens without liability.

• safe havens: appropriate person or suitable location
• liability: affirmative defense to prosecution for abandonment or desertion

In the Buffalo area, 14 people called the crisis hotline for assistance. The local affiliate is the Sonray Ministries at 327 North Ellicott Creek Road, Amherst.

Options

• parental plan – provides housing and WIC
• relinquishment plan- give up parent rights
• adoption

Other drop-off areas include:

• hospital emergency room in that community
• firehouse in that community

To ensure national awareness of the safe haven program, members have appeared on talk shows like “Montel Williams,” “Rosie O'Donnell,” “Ricki Lake” and numerous radio stations.

To quote Nadia S. Pizarro, a single mother: “I think that this is a great program in a day and age of young single mothers , it provides an alternative for unwanted children.”

“Every birth mother needs to know that there is help out there in their difficult time,” said Tim Jaccard, director of Safe Haven.

Links to other sites:

Crisis Intervention and Community Assistance:

• Long Island Crisis Center
• St Francis House
• Project Cuddle
• Secret Safe Place for Newborns
• Garden of Angels
• Child Welfare League of America

Misc. Non-Profit Sites and Services:

• Idealist listing service

Crisis helpline: 1-877-796-HOPE or http://www.amtchildrenofhope.com
/crisis.htm

(4673)

For general information call (516) 781-3511

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