New Mexico Safe Haven

What is the New Mexico Safe Haven for Infants Act?

New Mexico’s Safe Haven law allows infants, 90 days of age or less, to be safely surrendered to hospitals, fire stations, law enforcement agencies, or the Safe Haven Baby Boxes placed in many locations around the state. The New Mexico Safe Haven for Infants Act protects a person from criminal prosecution for abandonment or abuse for leaving an infant at an appropriate safe surrender location.

Where do I go to surrender my infant?

In New Mexico, you may go to a:

• Hospital
• Law enforcement agency
• Fire station
• Safe Haven Baby Box

There must be staff on site at the time of surrender.

Staff or volunteers at the Safe Haven site may ask the person leaving the infant for the name of the infant’s biological mother or biological father and the infant’s name and medical history, but the person leaving the infant is not required to provide that information to the Safe Haven sight.

What happens next?

The New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department takes emergency custody of the infant, assesses any immediate needs, and enrolls the infant in Medicaid benefits and services. The Department is required to investigate any potential abuse or neglect that may have occurred before the infant was safely surrendered. CYFD will also make reasonable efforts to determine whether the infant is an Indian child and follow applicable procedures and the federal Indian Child Welfare Act when appropriate.

Is information about the person surrendering the infant protected?

Any information or documents regarding the surrender of an infant are confidential and may not be released to the public. Any information collected is intended to benefit the infant by providing their tribal status, medical history, or other important information.

What if a biological parent of the infant changes their mind?

The New Mexico’s Safe Haven law allows biological parents to have rights and reunification opportunities.

You can request information by calling 855-333-SAFE.