Mangano Announces First Baby Of 2011 Saved Under Baby Safe Haven Law In Nassau

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County Police Safe Haven Coordinator Timothy Jaccard (President of the AMT Children of Hope Foundation/Baby Safe Haven Program) announced today that Nassau’s first baby of the year was relinquished and brought to Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, New York.

The baby boy was born at approximately 4:30 a.m. today and appears to be very healthy. The mother of the baby contacted the Safe Haven hotline (1-877-796-HOPE) this morning and made arrangements to relinquish the baby anonymously.

“The Safe Haven law provides a safe alternative for mothers who are frightened and feel they have nowhere else to turn. The message is simple: if you truly feel that you cannot care for your baby, you have options. Find a Safe Haven location and put your baby into safe and caring arms,” said County Executive Ed Mangano. “Nassau County is committed to the health and welfare of newborns and we are happy to lend our support to this important program.”

New York law allows a mother who believes she cannot care for her baby to legally leave the newborn at a number of locations, including police precincts, firehouses, hospitals, churches or with any responsible adult willing to accept the baby and call proper authorities. Over the past decade, safe haven laws have been adopted in all 50 states and 2,858 babies have been safely relinquished.

The AMT Children of Hope Foundation was founded in 1998 in response to a number of abandoned, deceased infants discovered in the community. The organization — comprised of members of the Nassau County Police Department, AMTs, local healthcare workers and civilians — provides dignified burials for innocent children lost to unsafe abandonment, and is committed to putting an end to such tragedies.

The AMT Children of Hope Foundation operates a 24/7 emergency hotline (1-877-796-HOPE) to offer assistance to individuals in crisis who are pregnant and have nowhere to turn. In 2009, the hotline received 2,115 calls and in 2010 the hotline received 2,075 calls. The organization also provides support to prepare parents-to-be to raise their child or make an adoption plan if they choose to; counsels them to share their situation with parents and/or other relatives; and educates them on the Safe Haven law.