We said this would happen.
Two boys (unrelated) have been “safe havened” in Nebraska: Their ages? 11 and 15 years old. The parents of the 11 year old, and the aunt/guardian of the 15 year old, won’t be charged with abandonment, as their actions are protected under Nebraska’s safe haven laws.
Now let me make it clear that I am not standing in judgment of the adults in this situation: They may well have been at the end of their respective ropes. These boys may well be difficult, if not impossible, to live with. It may also be that these adults tried to get help, but couldn’t, and in an act of desperation, safe havened the boys.
But as in other safe haven cases, we may never know the truth. Safe haven removes any sort of due process in the act of relinquishing/termination of one’s parental rights and responsibilities. As a result, the normal responsibilities of parents and guardians to their offspring/wards, are severely weakened.
Under such broad safe haven laws, there is no reason for a disinterested parent or guardian to prove that s/he is unable to provide the care that a child needs. Children are now in a most precarious state in relation to their caretakers: One false move, and the kid can be dumped.
Similarly, the state is now faced with the real possibility that many children will be similarly dumped into the system, with the state having no leverage in getting parents/guardians to re-assume their responsibilities.
Is this what the baby safe haven folks really wanted to happen? Inquiring minds want to know.
Stumble it!
