Infant Found Outside Florida Firehouse

The Broward Sheriff's Office said a 2-day-old boy was discovered outside a firehouse at 791 N.W. 31st Ave. on Thursday morning.

The infant was found wrapped in a blanket and strapped into a car seat at about 5:40 a.m.

Paramedics checked the child and determined him to be OK.

The boy was being placed in the care of the state Department of Children and Families.

Florida's Safe Haven Law

Since 2000, Florida has had a "Safe Haven" law that gives parents who are unable to care for their newborn infant a way to give the child up without being identified or prosecuted.

If a parent feels they must give up a newborn 3 days old or younger, they are allowed to leave the child at a 24-hour fire station, emergency medical station or hospital and walk away with no questions asked.

The nonprofit, Miami-based Gloria M. Silverio Foundation's "A Safe Haven for Newborns" works to educate the public about the law.

The foundation also staffs a 24-hour assistance line in English, Spanish and Creole to help parents understand the safe haven law and find the closest safe haven for their child. The number is 1-877-767-BABY (2229).

For more information or to make a donation to the foundation click here.

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