Safe Haven Law

Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, Tennessee public and charter high schools must include education on the state's Safe Haven Law in their family life curriculum for students in grades 9-12. The mandate requires schools to teach students about the legal, confidential surrender of unharmed newborns to prevent abandonment

Students will be educated on resources and legal protections for parents experiencing a crisis after the birth of a child.

Students will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of Tennessee's Safe Haven Law.
• Identify the requirements for a legal Safe Haven surrender.
• Locate approved Safe Haven facilities.
• Understand the importance of seeking help during a crisis.
• Evaluate how community resources can protect both infants and parents.

Present students with a scenario:

A woman gives birth unexpectedly and feels overwhelmed, scared, and unsure where to turn. She wants her baby to be safe but doesn't believe she can provide care.

Ask:

• What options might be available?
• Who could help?
• Why is it important to know community resources before a crisis occurs?

Allow students to discuss in pairs before introducing the law.

What Is the Safe Haven Law?

Tennessee's Safe Haven Law allows a parent in crisis to safely and legally surrender an infant without facing questions or criminal charges for abandonment when the law's requirements are followed.

• Infant must be 45 days old or younger
• Infant must be unharmed
• Child must be handed to an on-duty staff member or placed in a monitored Safe Haven Baby Box
• Parent may remain anonymous
• Parent receives information about their rights
• Parent has 30 days to seek reunification before parental rights are permanently relinquished

Tennessee Safe Haven Locations

Approved Location Availability

Important: A staff member must be present when surrendering a newborn at a facility. Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide an additional option for anonymous surrender and immediately alert trained personnel when used.

Resources for Students

Find a Safe Haven Location:
Tennessee Safe Haven Facilities Locator

Learn More About Tennessee's Safe Haven Law:
Tennessee Department of Children's Services Safe Haven Information

24/7 Confidential Help Line:
1-866-699-SAFE (7233) — Available through A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee.

Myth vs. Fact

Have students determine whether statements are true or false.

Examples:

• "A parent must give their name when surrendering a baby." (False)
• "The law exists to protect infants from unsafe abandonment." (True)
• "The baby must be younger than 45 days old." (True)
• "Only hospitals can accept surrendered infants." (False)

Discuss:

• Why might someone feel afraid to ask for help?
• What community resources should be known before a crisis happens?
• How can awareness of this law save lives?

Emphasize that asking for help is a responsible action.

This lesson supports topics such as:

• Responsible decision-making
• Parenting responsibilities
• Community resources
• Child safety
• Personal responsibility
• Crisis intervention and support systems

Students write:

"Why do you think Tennessee requires high school students to learn about the Safe Haven Law? How could this information help someone in a difficult situation?"

A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee

A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee Videos and Resources

Discussion Questions

1. What is the purpose of Tennessee's Safe Haven Law?
2. Why do you think the state requires high school students to learn about this law?
3. How does this law protect both newborns and parents in crisis?
4. What community resources are available if someone needs help?