Iowa Safe Haven Law - 80 Infants Total

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Published March 18th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced that a baby girl was declared a safe haven in March, bringing the total to 80 infants since the law's inception. The notice reiterates the provisions of the Safe Haven Law and provides resources for prospective foster and adoptive parents.

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What changed

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a notice regarding the state's Safe Haven Law. The notice highlights that a baby girl born on March 6, 2026, was placed under the care of HHS, bringing the total number of infants safely surrendered under the law to 80 since its enactment over two decades ago. The law allows parents in crisis to relinquish an infant up to 90 days old at designated safe havens, such as hospitals or police stations, with HHS facilitating foster care placement.

This notice serves as an informational update and reiterates the availability of the Safe Haven Law. It also directs interested parties to resources for becoming foster or adoptive parents and provides a link for more information on the Safe Haven Act itself. No new obligations or compliance actions are mandated by this notice; it is primarily for public awareness and to encourage foster care participation.

Source document (simplified)

Baby girl declared safe haven in March

Wednesday, March 18, 2026
News Release

DES MOINES, Iowa - Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby girl, born March 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 80 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.