Now the Nebraska legislature has a new law effective July 18 that allows parents or caretakers to abandon any child under 19 years old.
"All children deserve our protection," said Senator Tom White. "If we save one child from being abused, it's well, well worth it."
Parents who have physically abused their children would face criminal charges even if they give up custody to the state.
Adam Pertman, executive director of a New York adoption institute, was one of the first experts to criticize the law.
"Whether the kid is disabled or unruly or just being a hormonal teenager, the state is saying: 'Hey, we have a really easy option for you,"' he said. "It circumvents every rational practice in child welfare that I'm aware of. That's as nicely as I can put it."
Labels: abandonment, laws, safe-haven
Posted By: Aspen Education Group