WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
SAFETY OF NEWBORN CHILD LAW
Washington's "Safety of Newborn Children" law allows a birth parent to leave a newborn infant at an authorized facility. This law was created so that a distressed parent may give up a baby safely, legally, and confidentially. A "Safe Place" to take a baby is the emergency department of a hospital, a fire station, or a federally designated rural health clinic.
1500 Jefferson Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Eligibility: As long as the newborn is 72 hours or younger and is brought in unharmed from abuse or neglect, the guarantee of anonymity and immunity from prosecution applies. If you change your mind or have questions of the baby, call Division of Children and Family Services.
Hours: 24 hours per day / 7 days per week
(877) 440-2229
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Phone/FAX Numbers
  • (360) 407-1960 Main phone
  • (800) 446-1114 Main phone Find Child Care
  • (800) 723-4831 Main phone Constituent Relations
  • (866) 764-2233 Hotline
  • Hotline (877) 440-2229
Email Address: [email protected]
INTAKE PROCEDURE: You must leave your baby with a qualified person at a designated drop-off location. A qualified person means any person you believe is an employee, volunteer, or medical staff member of a hospital or federally designated rural health clinic during its hours of operation; or a firefighter, volunteer, or emergency medical technician at a fire station.

The hospital wants to ensure the health and safety of you and your newborn. They will take care of any medical needs your baby may have. You do not need to provide any identifying information. You will be asked to provide some health information. This information is confidential and will only be used for the future healthcare of your baby. If you do not feel comfortable completing the forms at the hospital, you are encouraged to mail them in at a later time. None of this information is used to identify or find you.

Your baby will be at the hospital for at least one day. Child Protective Services will be contacted and your baby will be placed in foster care. Most often the baby will be placed with foster parents who want to adopt a child.
FEES: None
DOCUMENTS: None
LANGUAGES: English, interpretation or signing by arrangement
AREA SERVED: State of Washington
SITE HOURS: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Services:
  • Safe Havens for Abandoned Newborns
Other Services Offered At This Location:
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WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES