Illinois Hospital Association

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June 16, 2008

DCFS Requirements for "Safe Haven" Signs

TO: Chief Executive Officers, Member Institutions
  Public Relations Director
  Emergency Department Director
  Maternal and Child Health Director


Under an amendment to the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act (Public Act 95- 275) that was effective last August, every hospital, fire station, emergency medical facility, and police station that is required to accept a relinquished newborn infant in accordance with the Act must post a sign in a conspicuous place on the exterior of the building, informing persons that a newborn infant may be relinquished at the facility in accordance with this Act.

The amendment required the Department of Children and Family Services to prescribe specifications for the signs and for their placement that will ensure statewide uniformity. A copy of the DCFS letter describing those specifications is attached (click here).

Please note that hospitals that had signs posted prior to the effective date of the amendment, August 17, 2007, may keep their signs if they conform to the attached requirements and are not required to post any additional signs.

To order signs, please see the information in the DCFS letter.

For any questions about the Act, please contact Barb Haller at bhaller@ihastaff.org or 630.276.5474.