The following post is in regard to the SAFE HAVEN BOXES recently discussed in Indiana. Once again as always we appreciate your support
My name is Timothy Jaccard and I am the president/director of the NY state Baby Safe Haven program since 1998 and on the board of directors of the National Safe Haven Alliance. Over the years I have assisted many states and organizations with improvements in their safe haven laws. Monica Kelsey, a paramedic with the Fort Wayne, IN fire department is spearheading a campaign to bring awareness about the safe haven program. I have provided her with safe haven materials and assisted her with educational presentations on the safe haven law. However, I am in disagreement and strongly oppose the concept of safe haven boxes and do not support Monica’s efforts on this issue to have them placed in hospitals, fire houses and other locations. I believe that the transfer of an infant to another responsible person is the safest way to protect life. The safe haven program has saved over 2,800 newborn infants since its conception in 1999. Its success is due to the crisis hot lines throughout the country by having contact with birthmothers. Our success is due to the counseling efforts on the crisis hotlines which provide 3 options – a parenting plan, an adoption plan or a relinquishment plan as a last resort. It is this human contact which aids both mother and the infant. The hotlines receive thousands of calls in a year from women asking for help.
Source: AMT-Children of Hope Facebook, February 26, 2015
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Video: AMT-COH: Tim Jacard
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