A mandatory statewide program instituted recently at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Jefferson Hills offers a Safe Haven to newborns at risk for abuse, abandonment and even death.

It enables a parent to turn over an infant whom the parent is unable or unwilling to care for to a hospital without fear of criminal prosecution, provided the baby is not a victim of abuse or criminal conduct.

The child cannot be more than 28 days old, and the parent can remain anonymous under the Newborn Protection Act.

The child is placed within the county's Office of Children, Youth and Families after receiving any needed medical care.

Parental rights are formally terminated, and a new family is sought. A parent who gives up a baby and later has a change of mind would be referred to CYF.

"We felt strongly that we needed to go through some legislative process as a way to protect children from abuse and death, and as a way to give these kids a fair start," said Stacey Ward, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Welfare.

The department's Office of Children, Youth and Families oversees the program, which swung into operation earlier this year.

Two infants have been received, one in Clarion County in March, and the other in York County in April.

Both children currently reside in preadoptive homes.

Yet, parents are strongly encouraged to go through the formal foster care system to provide medical histories and health problem information on the child and families.

"But if that is not an option, then we're happy to have this program available," Ward said.

At Jefferson, pink and blue signs direct the parent to a back door in the emergency room area.

"We took extreme measures to protect the mother's anonymity," said Karen Kunak, director of emergency services.

There, by the door of what also serves as the grieving room, is a bassinet for placing the baby, quilts and a small clip board with questions for the parent concerning heredity and family medical history.

The questionnaire can be filled out then, or returned via mail.

A press of a button dials the phone number of a charge nurse 24 hours a day and alerts the nurse to the presence of the infant. The parent can remain on the phone, or simply leave.

All 20 hospitals in the UPMC system in southwestern Pennsylvania have similar Safe Haven programs.

Kunak said Jefferson would conduct education programs in local high schools in the fall about Safe Haven.