PRESS RELEASE
April 20, 2004
Contact: William J. Smith, (718) 556-7150

District Attorney Donovan and Councilman McMahon Walk Port Richmond to Publicize Bilingual Effort to Educate Public on Safe Haven Law

STATEN ISLAND, NY - Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. and North Shore City Councilman Michael E. McMahon today visited merchants on Port Richmond Avenue to publicize New York State’s “Safe Haven” Law to Staten Island’s Spanish speaking population. Specifically, Donovan and McMahon asked local merchants to place posters in their store windows in English and Spanish advising residents of the law.

Under New York State’s Abandoned Infant Protection Act, an individual may leave a newborn child (up to 5 days old) that they are unable or unwilling to care for with an appropriate person. In New York, this is generally understood as being a hospital emergency room, police station, or firehouse. It is important that the child be left with a person of responsibility (nurse, firefighter, police officer) or in a suitable location and the parent promptly notifies an appropriate person of the child’s location. A parent can also call Toll-Free 1-877-796-HOPE (4673) to ask that someone come and pick up their baby.

“New parents, need to be made aware that abandoning their child is not an option. There is a ife saving alternative for parents who are unable or unwilling to care for their newborn children” stated District Attorney Donovan. “No one will be prosecuted for abandonment if they follow these procedures. ”

Councilman McMahon, who represents the Port Richmond area, added, "This wonderful program has had seven babies safely relinquished this year alone, The District Attorney and I are taking it upon ourselves to make information about Baby Safe Haven available to every community on Staten Island so that these mothers know they can give their newborn a chance even if it can't be with them."

Photo by: Michael McWeeney/Staten Island Advance