Safe Haven turns to Dumping Ground!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-28-2008
Safe Haven turns to Dumping Ground!
68
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 4:27pm

What has happened here in Nebraska since the implementation of our "Safe Haven" law has been a blemish on our state.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-08-2008
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 4:38pm

I think it's utterly ridiculous that they don't have an age limit in NE.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-28-2008
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 5:04pm

Thanks for your thoughts.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2008
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 5:10pm
I don't think they should change the law. Families could use a safe haven in times of trouble.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-28-2008
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 5:20pm
I don't think they should change the law. Families could use a safe haven in times of trouble.



Really?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-20-2008
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 6:14pm
I read this and it's really terrible that people are leaving their older kids at hospitals. I could understand somebody in trouble leaving an infant but leaving an older child is terrible. They should definitely have an age limit. I think even up to about 2 years would be acceptable since most people don't remember much if anything up to that age anyway. I have to admit that despite the seriousness of the situation I chuckled a little at people dropping off their teenagers. Possibly because I have one in my immediate family that I wish we could drop off somewhere at times but there is a difference between wishing you could and actually DOING it. lol I also teach teenagers so I can see the temptation. Terrible situation though so I sincerely hope they put strict age limits on it soon.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2008
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 8:42pm

>>> Really? That's interesting. I agree that there are families with kids who truly need help and this whole situation has highlighted that need. However, don't you think it would be more beneficial to all involved to have seperate and additional programs accessable to those families?

Yes...I'd support an "emergency family care" program, but it would probably end up being the bureaucratic nightmare that welfare, wick and medicaid are. I can only imagine that a parent abandoning their kids must be facing a very fearful situation, so until an alternative program is put in place, I don't think this program should be made more exclusive.

>>> The problem I have with the application of this law to older kids is the parents completely forfeit their rights and the scars it leaves on the kids simply cannot be measured. It has become obvious that the programs in place are insufficient, and I certainly don't claim to know the answer.

If it's true that parents who leave their kids here forfeit their rights, then I disagree with that "rule." I think that the parents should, necessarily, forfeit their custodial rights, at least temporarily, they should be able to reassert their parental rights if their situation becomes more tenable...and the state should work with the parents to make their situation more tenable.

>>> I guess this whole thing gets me because we are forced to realize how desperate some situations are and I truly feel many of these parents have exhausted every other option. What they really need are more options. The whole thing is so sad!

I completely agree...these are families on the precipice...which is why I would support keeping the program inclusive until a better program can be put in place.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2008
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 8:47pm
Why are these kids being dropped off at this age.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2008
Sat, 11-15-2008 - 1:17am
If you can't feed your kids...and there's no heat or water in the house...what do they do?
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2008
Sat, 11-15-2008 - 1:19am
Liberals feel that exterminating "unwanted" children is "responsible". Is it less "responsible" to turn over born children to the state if the parent's can no longer care for them?
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-08-2008
Sat, 11-15-2008 - 12:22pm

I have to admit that despite the seriousness of the situation I chuckled a little at people dropping off their teenagers. Possibly because I have one in my immediate family that I wish we could drop off somewhere at times but there is a difference between wishing you could and actually DOING it.


LOL, I know what you mean, and mine are only 4 and 2.

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