A Lifesaving Option for Parents in Crisis

If you’re unable to care for your newborn, Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven Law provides a safe, legal, and confidential way to surrender your baby without facing criminal charges. In the Poconos region, multiple locations stand ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven Law

Pennsylvania’s Newborn Protection Act, enacted in 2002 and expanded over the years, allows parents to legally surrender an unharmed newborn up to 28 days old at designated locations without fear of prosecution. The law was created after the tragic death of “Baby Mary” in 2001, whose story inspired lawmakers to provide parents with a safe alternative to abandonment.

Key Points About the Law:

• Age Limit: Babies must be 28 days old or younger
• No Questions Asked: You don’t need to provide your name or any personal information
• Legal Protection: As long as the baby is unharmed and not a victim of abuse, you will not face criminal charges
• Anonymous Option: You can provide medical history information if you choose, but it’s completely optional
• Change Your Mind: If you later decide you want your baby back, you can contact your county children and youth agency

Since the law’s inception in 2003, over 50 newborns have been safely surrendered through Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven program and subsequently adopted into loving families.

Where You Can Safely Surrender a Baby in the Poconos

Hospitals (24/7 Emergency Departments)

Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono

• Address: 206 E. Brown Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
• Emergency Department: Available 24/7
• Features: Level III Trauma Center with immediate medical care available
• How to surrender: Bring your baby to the Emergency Department and hand the infant to any hospital staff member, or place the baby in a designated bassinet if available

St. Luke’s Monroe Campus

• Address: Off Route 611, Bartonsville/Stroudsburg area
• Emergency Department: Available 24/7
• Features: State-of-the-art facility with immediate medical evaluation capabilities
• How to surrender: Take your baby to the Emergency Department and give the infant to hospital personnel

Police Stations

You can also surrender your baby to a police officer at any police station in Monroe County, including:

Stroud Area Regional Police Department

• Coverage: East Stroudsburg Borough, Stroudsburg Borough, and Stroud Township
• Non-emergency: 570-992-9911
• Note: Pennsylvania’s largest regional police department with 46 officers

Pocono Township Police Department

• Address: 110 Township Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372
• Phone: 570-629-7200
• Coverage: Pocono Township area

Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department

• Coverage: Coolbaugh, Mount Pocono Borough, Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock, and Barrett Townships
• Serves a large portion of the Poconos region

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Stations

Pennsylvania law also allows surrender at any EMS station with an emergency services provider present. Monroe County has multiple volunteer fire departments and EMS stations throughout the region that can accept Safe Haven surrenders.

What About Safe Haven Baby Boxes?

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are climate-controlled, secure devices installed at hospitals and fire stations that allow parents to surrender their babies completely anonymously. When a baby is placed inside, a silent alarm alerts staff within minutes.

Current Status in the Poconos: As of now, Pennsylvania has only three Safe Haven Baby Boxes installed statewide, with the first one opening at Lancaster General Hospital in 2023. While none are currently located in the Poconos region specifically, the traditional Safe Haven surrender options at hospitals, police stations, and EMS providers remain fully available and equally safe.

If you’re seeking the anonymity of a baby box, both hospitals in the Poconos have emergency departments where you can place your baby in a bassinet without direct interaction if you prefer.

Recent Legal Expansion

In 2025, Pennsylvania expanded the Safe Haven Law to include urgent care centers as surrender locations. These facilities must now:

• Post signage indicating they accept Safe Haven babies
• Display their operating hours for surrenders
• Provide trained staff to handle Safe Haven situations
• Transport the baby to a hospital for medical evaluation

What Happens After You Surrender Your Baby?

1. Immediate Medical Care: A doctor will examine your baby and provide any necessary medical treatment
2. Safe Custody: Monroe County Children and Youth Services will take custody of the baby
3. Loving Home: The agency will place your baby with an adoptive family, typically within 30-45 days
4. No Legal Consequences: As long as the baby was unharmed, you face no criminal charges

Optional Medical Information

While not required, providing medical history can help ensure your baby receives the best possible care. You can:

• Fill out a medical questionnaire at the surrender location
• Download and mail in an anonymous health history form later
• Provide information about any genetic conditions or health concerns

This information is confidential and helps adoptive parents understand any medical needs the baby may have.

Need Support? Resources Available 24/7

Pennsylvania Safe Haven Hotline: 1-866-921-SAFE (7233)

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Confidential support and information
• Guidance on surrender process

Monroe County Children and Youth Services

• Can provide information about the surrender process
• Available to answer questions about what happens after surrender

Healthy Baby Helpline: 1-800-986-BABY (2229)

• For prenatal care information during pregnancy
• Help connecting with medical providers

You’re Not Alone

Making the decision to surrender a baby is incredibly difficult, but choosing a Safe Haven location ensures your child will be safe, receive medical care, and be placed with a loving family. Pennsylvania’s law exists to protect both you and your baby, providing a legal alternative that can save lives.

Remember: No one will judge you, no one will ask your name, and you will not face criminal charges if you follow the Safe Haven requirements. Your baby deserves to be safe, and you deserve to make this choice without fear.

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This article provides general information about Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven Law as it applies to the Poconos region. The law protects parents who surrender unharmed newborns at designated locations. For immediate assistance or questions, call the Pennsylvania Safe Haven Hotline at 1-866-921-SAFE (7233).