Infant Surrendered Under South Carolina's Safe Haven Law

On Monday, April 15, 2024, an infant was safely surrendered under South Carolina's Safe Haven for Abandoned Babies Act, also known as Daniel's Law, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Richland County. The Caucasian male infant, born on the same day, weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 16.93 inches long.

The Department of Social Services confirmed the surrender and stated that the infant is currently being medically evaluated. Once discharged from the hospital, the baby will be placed in a DSS licensed adoptive home. Under the Safe Haven law, Richland County DSS has taken custody of the infant.

Why this matters: Daniel's Law provides a safe, legal option for parents to surrender infants up to 60 days old at designated locations without fear of criminal prosecution. This is the third Daniel's Law baby surrendered in South Carolina during the 2024 calendar year, highlighting the importance of this law in protecting vulnerable infants.

The Safe Haven for Abandoned Babies Act allows parents to safely surrender their newborn infants at designated locations, such as hospitals or fire stations. The Department of Social Services has a dedicated page on the agency's website regarding the history of Daniel's Law in the state and released a new series of public service announcement videos on the law in August 2023.

Any person wishing to assert parental rights for the surrendered infant must do so at the Permanency Planning Hearing scheduled for June 10 at the Richland County Family Court. This is the third Daniel's Law baby surrendered in South Carolina during the 2024 calendar year, underscoring the ongoing need for safe, legal options for parents in crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Infant safely surrendered under SC's Safe Haven Act at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.
• Infant is a Caucasian male, born on April 15, 2024, weighing 5 lbs 7 oz.
• Infant placed in DSS-licensed adoptive home after medical evaluation and discharge.
• This is the 3rd Safe Haven baby surrendered in SC in 2024, highlighting the law's importance.
• Parental rights can be asserted at the Permanency Planning Hearing on June 10.