Gov. Heineman & Speaker Flood Announce Plans to Amend Safe Haven Law

(Lincoln, Neb.) Today Gov. Dave Heineman was joined by Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood of Norfolk in announcing that more than majority of State Senators have agreed to amend Nebraska’s safe haven law to apply to infants who are up to three days old.

The Governor and Speaker Flood are committed to making the change immediately at the beginning of the 2009 legislative session or in a special session, should one be called.

“This law has had serious, unintended consequences,” Gov. Heineman said. “It needs to be changed to focus on its original intent – protecting infants. I also want to make Nebraskans aware of our efforts to ensure that families and children in need know about the services available to them.”

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will be working with the Nebraska Broadcasters Association, the Nebraska Press Association and several other information and referral networks on an awareness campaign. The public service announcements will focus on the resources available to families dealing with a child’s behavioral issues and other challenges.

Todd Landry, DHHS Director of Children and Family Services, said, “We want to encourage families who need assistance to call United Way’s 211 number or visit their Web site at www.ne211.org. Families can also call the Boys Town National Hotline at 800-448-3000.” [ Landry's Letter to Parents of Former Nebraska State Wards ]

Approximately half of Nebraska’s safe haven cases to date involve abandoned children who are former state wards. Landry will be sending a letter to adoptive parents and guardians of former state wards to ensure that they are aware of the services available to them.