Iowa Safe Haven Law - Baby Boy Placed with Foster Family

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Published December 3rd, 2025

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced that a baby boy, born in October, has been placed with a foster family under the state's Safe Haven Law. This marks the 79th infant placed since the law's inception over two decades ago.

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What changed

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a news release confirming that a baby boy, born on October 6, 2025, has been declared safe haven and placed in HHS custody. The child will be placed with a foster family while permanent placement is determined. This case represents the 79th infant to be placed under Iowa's Safe Haven Law since its implementation more than twenty years ago.

This notice serves as an informational update regarding the application of the Safe Haven Law. While no new regulatory changes are introduced, it highlights the ongoing use of the law for parents in crisis. The HHS is also promoting opportunities for individuals interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents, providing links to relevant resources for those considering such roles. Regulated entities are not required to take specific action based on this notice, but it serves as a reminder of the state's child welfare provisions.

Source document (simplified)

Baby Boy Declared Safe Haven in October

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
News Release

DES MOINES, Iowa - Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby boy, born October 6 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement is determined. This brings the overall total to 79 infants since the law went into effect more than two decades ago.

Iowa’s Safe Haven Act is an option for parents in crisis who determine they cannot care for an infant up to 90 days old. Designated safe havens are locations like hospitals and police and fire stations. Iowa HHS then works to place infants in an approved foster home while awaiting permanent adoption.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child, visit https://iowafosterandadoption.org/ **** to learn more about becoming an approved foster or adoptive family. For more information on Iowa’s Safe Haven, visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/CPS/safe-haven.