Abandon your child here

[ZionWoman]

So, I just watched a segment on Nebraska's new safe haven law and I put this question to you. Is it really in the child's and family's best interest to abandon? I mean really? Would it not be better to support and help the families and provide services to teach and support them? Can't most of the baby abandonment be traced back to PPD? Shouldn't we be supporting families in stead of giving them an out?

[Loudmouth_Mormon]

Nebraska's "New" law has been replaced by a more sensible law - the age limit is now 30 days. Folks never guessed in their wildest dreams that the first "new" law would turn out like it did.

LM

[TeancumsSword]

If you are selfish enough to abandon your child, I say let them. At the time offer them the services that are already in place, but keep their children until they are ready to accept the responsibility.

[WANDERER]

I think it comes to issues of safety.

[pam]

I know in some states there is a law that an unwed mother who feels like there is no way she can be a mother has the option of taking the baby to places such as Fire stations etc. No questions asked. I would much rather see options such as this than to read stories in the news about babies thrown into dumpsters.

You can't always help someone who really does not want to be a parent.

[georgia2]

3 years not 30 days grace period.
A woman would not realize she couldn't take care of, afford, handle a baby in just 30 days.
To protect babies from abuse more time should be given then families that really want and can care for the baby can adopt.

[ZionWoman]

Originally Posted by Loudmouth_Mormon

Nebraska's "New" law has been replaced by a more sensible law - the age limit is now 30 days. Folks never guessed in their wildest dreams that the first "new" law would turn out like it did.

LM

Thanks. I guess I should pay closer attention to my tabloid news shows.

[Wingnut]

I believe Nebraska is the only state whose Safe Haven Law extended to age 18. Most states limit it to newborns. In Ohio, for example, I believe the limit is three days. I think it's a safe alternative to dumping dumping or abortion.

[pam]

So is dumping dumping more extreme than just dumping? hahaha

[countrygirl66]

Originally Posted by ZionWoman

So, I just watched a segment on Nebraska's new safe haven law and I put this question to you. Is it really in the child's and family's best interest to abandon? I mean really? Would it not be better to support and help the families and provide services to teach and support them? Can't most of the baby abandonment be traced back to PPD? Shouldn't we be supporting families in stead of giving them an out?

There is something where I live called a crisis nursery. There are a few here in the state. This is how they work. You can drop off your children for 48 hrs without the police or social services being involved. The nurser has couples that stay there full time and rotate in and out. The kids get to stay in a safe beautiful place. When the parent comes back to get their children they are offered help in getting food services (wic foodstamps) if needed. They are offered parenting classes and are even able to apply for the peer parenting program. They also offer drug counciling. The parent has it there but they have to choose to use it.

The need this fulfills in my mind is this: A parent in that stressful situation is usually really young, poor, and doesn't have a family support system. The crisis nursery is there to help take the place of that. I think they prevent situations where pa could happen because the parent has a choice.

If the kids are not picked up in 48 hours then social services is called. I think safe haven laws must be in place for infants. I have a brother that was left in a garbage can (story for another time). But I think if his mom had known of somewhere else to leave him she would have. And she was never a capable parent. I don't think there is one service that will cover it all I think there has to be more than one option.