Graphics By AC Kerker

Newborn Safety

Below is a link to The Washington State
Department of Social and Health Services
“Safety of Newborns” guidelines and procedures.

It is 53 pages long, and will take a minute or two to load.

Newborn Safety Document

“Our Vision-
To be recognized by our community as:
A department responsive to the communities
needs and concerns.
A model of excellence in providing services thru
Education, Prevention, and mitigation;
A department that fosters an environment of
involvement, trust, and cohesion;
A Department that others want to emulate.”

      

                     From 01/01/04 to present (01/14/04) three newborns have
                     been abandoned or thrown away (literally).

                     1 is too many.

                     1/3 of abandoned babies die before being found.

HELP IS AVAILABLE!
PLEASE CALL:

A SAFE PLACE FOR NEWBORNS
1-877-440-2229
1-877-440-BABY

HELP IS AVAILABLE.

                     No matter who you are, where you live, what your
                     religious background is, HELP IS AVAILABLE.

                     If you are reading this, and you know someone
                     who needs help, you can:

                     1. Email us here for resource numbers (completely
                     anonymous)
                     2. Call the station and ask for some resource numbers
                     3. Ask your school counselor
                     4. Ask your doctor

                     Having a child under normal circumstances
                     can be a terrifying experience.
                     Having a child that no one knows about
                     IS a terrifying experience.

                     If you have just given birth to a child
                     You and Your child NEED IMMEDIATE
                     MEDICAL ATTENTION!

                    

WHAT DO YOU DO?

                    
YOU CALL 9-1-1.

                     If someone is driving you, you can have them
                     take you to the hospital, or the nearest fire station.
                     Not Every Fire station has resident firefighters.
                     ANY Fire Station that has firefighters there
                     can and will accept your newborn if it is your choice
                     to leave your newborn somewhere safe, with someone
                     safe.

                     They will want information from you that needs to
                     be passed on to doctors and other health care providers.
                     You may or may not be in any condition to give those
                     answers. You will be given paperwork to take home,
                     fill out and mail back.
                     It is very important information that will help your
                     child all of the days of his/her life.

                     ANY hospital can and will accept your child as well.
                     You can simply walk in, and hand your child to any
                     hospital personnel.

                     You have the right to change your mind.
                     That is explained in the pamphlet you will be given.

                     Handing your child over to a hospital worker
                     or firefighter ensures that your child will get the
                     best care available. And gives them a chance at life.

                     Anyone in a hospital or fire station will tell you that they
                     would rather have you hand your newborn to them, than
                     to find that child’s body abandoned and lifeless.

                     Abandoning a newborn is illegal, unless you leave your baby
                     in the arms of a firefighter or hospital staff.

                     They are not there to judge you, or to tell you their opinions,
                     They are there to Thank You for choosing the safest way to
                     get help for your baby.

                     We care about your health and safety.
                     And we care about the health and safety of your baby.

                     As alone and afraid as you may feel, there are thousands
                     of people (or more) in your community that care about you
                     AND your baby and want to help.

HELP IS AVAILABLE!
PLEASE CALL:

A SAFE PLACE FOR NEWBORNS
1-877-440-2229
1-877-440-BABY