Babies up to 60 days old
You can safely give up custody of a newborn up to 60 days old.
Louisiana Safe Haven Law
Can’t care for your baby? There is a safe, legal way.
If you feel desperate, alone or out of options, you are not a bad person — and you don’t have to face this alone. Louisiana’s Safe Haven Law lets you give your baby to someone who will keep them safe, with no names and no questions asked.
Talk to someone now
Your baby can be safe and so can you!
National Safe Haven 24/7 Crisis Hotline free and confidential.
1-888-510-BABY (2229)If you or your baby need emergency help, call 911. An officer or EMS provider can come to you.
No names. No questions.
You do not have to give your name or any other information.
Protected by law
If your baby shows no signs of abuse or neglect, you will not be charged with abandonment, neglect or child cruelty.
How it works
- 1
Go to the nearest Safe Haven site: a hospital, manned fire or police station, or public health unit.
- 2
Hand your baby to an employee and say you want to use the Safe Haven Law.
- 3
Or place your baby inside a certified Safe Haven Baby Box completely anonymous, without speaking to anyone.
- 4
You may be offered a card with the toll-free number 1-888-510-BABY (2229). Calling is optional. You can use it to share your baby’s medical history or learn about your rights.
Where you can go
- Any licensed hospital in Louisiana
- Any manned fire station
- Any manned police station
- Public health units and Federally Qualified Health Centers, during business hours
- Any authorized Safe Haven Baby Box
Look for the yellow and black Safe Haven sign on a window or door.
Find a Safe Haven site near youSafe Haven Baby Boxes in Louisiana
A certified Safe Haven Baby Box lets you surrender your baby completely anonymously, without speaking to anyone. Louisiana’s Baby Boxes are at these fire stations:
St. Tammany Fire Station
322 Bouscaren Street, Slidell, LA
Louisiana’s first Baby Box, installed April 30, 2025.
Get directionsCovington Fire Department
Covington, LA
Louisiana’s second Baby Box.
Get directionsFranklinton Fire Station
415 11th Avenue, Franklinton, LA 70438
Louisiana’s third Baby Box, installed November 3, 2026.
Get directionsWhat happens next
What happens to my baby?
Your baby is taken to the nearest medical facility for a health check and any care they need. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) then places your baby with a loving, permanent adoptive family.
What happens to me?
As long as your baby shows no signs of abuse or neglect, the Safe Haven Law protects you. You can walk away knowing your baby is safe. You never have to give your name.
What if I change my mind?
You can ask to reclaim your parental rights within 30 days by contacting your local DCFS office.
What if I can’t get to a Safe Haven site?
Call 911. A police officer or EMS provider will come to a place you choose, pick up your baby and bring them to a hospital for care.
Still pregnant, or not sure what to do?
Talk with someone about adoption, housing, baby supplies and support at your own pace.
Safe Haven relinquishment is set out in the Louisiana Children’s Code, Chapter 13, Articles 1149–1161. Information from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and Louisiana Right to Life.