Safe Havens For Newborns | Ohio Department Of Job And Family Services
30 E Broad St., 32nd Flr., Columbus, OH 43215
M-F 8:00am-5:00pm
Free
Ohio
A birth parent (mother or father) can take a newborn baby (less than 30 days old) to a medical worker at a hospital, a medical worker at a fire department or other emergency organization, or a police officer at a law enforcement agency. They do not have to provide any information (though they may elect to provide important health information which may later help the baby) and they will be protected from prosecution. Medical care will be provided for the baby, and he or she will be placed in county custody for future adoption. If either parent changes their mind and wishes to get their newborn back, the parent will need to go to the local public children services agency in the county where the newborn was left. The parent will be asked to complete a DNA test to prove maternity or paternity and this may be a cost to the parent.
211 Cleveland
Ohio Department Of Job And Family Services
Develops and oversees programs and services designated to help Ohioans be healthy and safe while gaining and maintaining employment and independence. Programs include adoption, child care, child support, Disability Assistance, Food Stamps, foster care, labor exchange, Medicaid, Ohio Works First, Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC), protective services, Unemployment Compensation, veterans' services, women's services and workforce development. Formed by the merger of the Dept. of Human Services and the Bureau of Employment Services. Details on some programs are covered in County-level Job and Family Service agencies in this database.