In New Hampshire, a hospital or Safe Haven shall take temporary care and control of a child not older than seven days without a court order if the child is delivered to the hospital/Safe Haven by its parent with intent not to return for the child.[i] According to RSA 132-A:1(III), “Safe haven” means a church which is attended by a person, or a police or fire station which is attended by a person, or a 911 responder at an agreed transfer location.

After accepting custody, the hospital/Safe Haven shall ensure that medical services necessary to protect the health and safety of the child are made available to the child.[ii] Parent/Parents relinquishing their child may not be required to disclose any information regarding their identity. [iii]

[i] RSA 132-A:2(I)

[ii] RSA 132-A:2(II)

[iii] RSA 132-A:2(I)

[iv] RSA 132-A:3

[v] RSA 132-A:3

[vi] RSA 132-A:4

[vii] RSA 132-A:5