Barnes Kasson County Hospital - Safe Haven for Newborns

A parent of a new baby under 28 days of age, who feels that they cannot care for the baby, can give the baby to one of the nurses in the Emergency Department and simply leave without giving name or address. If they choose, they may give the nurse a medical history of the baby. The baby receives a check up to be sure it receives medical care for any health problems. Children and Youth Services and one of their employees will come to the Emergency Department and see that the baby is placed in a loving, caring home. Both the parent and baby receive an identification bracelet with a confidential medical record number from the Emergency Department. This allows the parent to contact Children and Youth Services if they want information on the baby after leaving it in the Emergency Department.