Safe Haven Law Outta Control

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Safe Haven Law Outta Control

Friday, October 10, 2008

Nebraska officials scramble to overhaul the flawed legislation.

We've been telling you for weeks about Nebraska's Safe Haven Law that essentially makes child abandonment legal in the state. So far, 17 kids (mostly teens and tweens) have been dumped ... one from out of state even!

If you haven't heard of this law before, get ready ... 'cause it's unreal. Under their new "safe haven law," a parent or legal guardian can leave an unwanted child under the age of 19 at any hospital without fear of prosecution. Here, a review:

Child Abandonment is Legal in Nebraska
11 Kids Abandoned in 24 Hours
Why Dad Abandoned Nine Children

This week, a grandmother from Iowa drove her 14-year-old granddaughter across state lines and dumped her at a hospital "to teach her a lesson." The girl is now back with her family after they changed their minds.

Now the dad who ditched his nine -- yes, nine! -- kids is asking for visitation rights. The court has yet to reach a decision on where the children should be placed.

All 50 states have safe haven laws, but only Nebraska's lacks an age limit. Two state legislative committees will hold a joint hearing November 13 to discuss a remedy. "The few situations we've seen so far demonstrate the need for a change in Nebraska's safe haven law," Gov. Dave Heineman said in a statement. "In the coming legislative session, I will advocate for changes that put the focus back on protecting an infant in danger. That should be our priority."

What do you think of people dumping their teens and tweens in Nebraska?

3 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

I’m torn. I think it’s sad and these children will be emotionally scarred for life. But on the other hand, at least these parents on the edge won’t be driven to harm their kids. I don’t know. This is just so sad.

- ashley

Posted 10/11/08 08:48 AM

I think that this is a great law. That 17 kids have already been dropped off shows how much it is needed. Yes, the children will need therapy, but that is better than 17 dead/hungry/abused children.

- Ilyssa

Posted 10/14/08 12:17 PM

I fully support the Nebraska state haven law and wish more state’s had a law like this. I have experienced what it’s like to deal with an out of control teen. If you’ve never done it, you can’t imagine what it feels like to watch your kid get in trouble with the law over and over, to have your kid threaten to harm you when you try to enforce rules, to find drugs in your home knowing your child is distributing them. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, your child takes the wrong path, and there is NO WHERE to turn. After therapy, after the police have been involved, after you’ve given it your all, then what? Do you deadbolt your bedroom door each night because you fear for your life, like I did? Or do you take your child to Nebraska and hope they will finally get the resources they need to live productive lives?

- Anonymous

Posted 10/14/08 01:49 PM

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