Protecting Newborns with Care and Dignity

The City of Yuma proudly participates in Arizona’s Safe Haven Program, a statewide initiative designed to protect infants and support families in crisis. The program provides parents with a safe, legal, and anonymous option to surrender their newborn—ensuring the child’s immediate safety and well-being while connecting families to supportive resources.

How the Safe Haven Program Works

The Safe Haven Program allows a parent to surrender a newborn, up to 30 days old, to any designated Safe Haven location without fear of prosecution. Babies left at Safe Haven locations receive immediate medical care and are placed with child welfare professionals who will ensure their safety and begin the process of finding a permanent home.

This program is built on the belief that every infant deserves a safe start in life and that families in crisis should have compassionate alternatives available to them.

Enabling Legislation

Arizona’s Safe Haven Law (ARS § 13-3623.01) was enacted in 2001 to reduce infant abandonment and provide a secure alternative for parents who may be unable to care for their newborn. Under the law:

• Parents may surrender an infant up to 30 days old.
• Surrender can occur at a hospital, fire station, or other designated Safe Haven site with trained staff present.
• No names or personal information are required.
• Parents are protected from prosecution if the child is unharmed and under the age limit.

The Safe Haven Program is made possible through collaboration among the City of Yuma, Yuma Fire Department, Onvida Health, and our community partners. By working together, we can ensure that no infant in Yuma goes without safety, care, and a chance at a healthy future.