Colorado:  Safe Haven for Newborns

You can leave your baby, up to 3 days old, with a hospital worker at any hospital, or with a fire fighter at any fire station in Colorado.

You may also leave your baby with a fire worker at a fire station.  (Employees usually wear name badges, either clipped to a pocket, or hanging from their neck.) 

It is important to understand that the new law requires that if you wish to use the program, you must leave your baby with a person, (see law) and not, for example, in a bathroom at a hospital.  Newborn children need lots of tender care. 
  
Do I have to take my baby to the closest hospital?

No, you can take your baby to any hospital in Colorado.

If you aren’t sure where the hospitals are in Colorado, scroll down this page and click on the link that says, "Click Here to Find a Hospital in Colorado."  This link will bring you to a list of hospitals, organized by city.  Click on the city that you wish to go to see a list of hospitals in that city.  The list includes the address and telephone number of each hospital.
  
How long can I wait before I take my baby to the hospital?

Your baby can be up to 3 days old.

Do I have to take my baby to the hospital, or can I ask someone else?

Only the parent of a child can bring a baby to the hospital to leave with new program.

Should I tell the people at the hospital anything?

The people who receive your baby will probably ask you a few questions.  Each hospital or fire station will do things a little differently, but most will offer you the opportunity to provide some health information.  This background, called a "medical history," will be incredibly valuable for your baby as he or she grows up.  If you like, you could download a Medical History questionnaire from this website and fill it out before you take your baby in. This information will be put in your baby’s records, and may help answer health questions in the future.

When you're scared, it can be hard to believe that there are people out there who care and want to help, but you know what?  There are people out there who care and want to help you. 

What happens to my baby after I leave the hospital?

The hospital will take care of any medical needs your baby may have.  They will then contact Children and Family Services who will take care of your child. 

Where are the hospitals in Colorado?

This link will bring you to a list of Colorado cities that have hospitals, with links to the address and telephone number of the hospital(s).  Use your web browser "back" button to return to this site.

Hospitals in Colorado 

Tell me about the Crisis Line?

The Safe Place for Newborns Telephone is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  If you would like to speak to someone about using the Safe Place for Newborns program, or if you would like to speak with a concerned person who will listen to you without judging, and who has resources available to help:

Call Toll Free 1-877-440-2229

If you are interested in learning more about the program, please see the contact information listed below.

You can contact:

Laure Krupp,
Executive Director, Safe Place for Newborns
120 South Sixth Street
Suite 1150
Minneapolis, MN  55402
(612) 317-2895
(612) 317-2899 fax
Email:  lkrupp@safeplacefornewborns.com
Web Page: http://www.safeplacefornewborns.org