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The Safe Haven Act

in Washington County, MD






  • Allows an individual to safely surrender an unharmed newborn to an adult working at any police station (sheriff, state, or city) or at the Washington County Hospital 24 hours a day
  • The newborn must be ten days old or less.
  • The individual surrendering the child does not have to be the parent.
  • Drop off is anonymous.
  • No questions are asked about the identification of the parent, and they are free from criminal prosecution.
  • The baby will be given proper medical care and then will be in the custody of the Washington County Department of Social Services.
  • The child will then be placed for adoption through the foster care system.

Daytime Hotline number 1-800-243-7337

After 4:00 pm local hotline at 301-739-8975



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Send comments and suggestions to:washhealth@dhmh.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Martin O'Malley, Governor | Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor

Last Updated 12/23/2009     © Washington County Health Department