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Our MissionThe mission of A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee, Inc. is to protect the most defenseless among us, newborn infants, by educating and informing women and communities of safe, secret options under the Safe Haven Law. Our HistoryIn October 2000, a newborn baby girl was found in a shed in Townsend, Tennessee. Her 14 year-old mother had concealed a pregnancy and given birth to the baby alone at her home. In order to hide the pregnancy and the birth, she abandoned the baby in a neighbor ’s shed. The baby died of severe dehydration and the teen was later charged with first-degree murder and sentenced to state custody. Devastated by this tragic event, two Blount County women, Shawna McConnell and Lisa Yount, were determined that no other babies would fall victim to similar circumstances. The efforts of Shawna, Lisa, Tennessee State Representatives Doug Overbey and Joe McCord, Former State Senator Bill Clabough, Blount County Sheriff Jim Berrong, District Attorney Generals Mike Flynn and Randy Nichols, and other legislators resulted in the passage of Tennessee’s Safe Haven Law in June 2001. The law, enacted on July 1, 2001, allows mothers of newborns to surrender unharmed babies to designated medical facilities within 72 hours of birth without fear of being prosecuted. As long as the baby is unharmed and the mother acts within 72 hours of birth, she will not be prosecuted and is assured of complete confidentiality. Her baby and her secret will be safe. Without awareness of the Safe Haven Law, unsafe abandonment of newborn babies will continue. Educating the public about the legislation is crucial. A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, supports and assists medical facilities where mothers can surrender their babies, operates a 24-hour Helpline to answer questions, and educates young women across the state about this legal alternative to infant abandonment. Scared and desperate teens and women who are hiding a pregnancy must know that there is a better option than abandoning their babies. Our goal is to prevent newborn abandonment through the expansion of our education and public awareness efforts. Our public awareness program includes printed resources, a television commercial, our website, and educational programs. At least 21 babies have been saved by the Safe Haven Law since 2004. For more information about our organization, its efforts, and how you can help, please contact our business office at 865-254-2208. Staff
2008 Board of DirectorsExecutive Committee and Officers: Vallie Collins, Chair Board Members: Patty Adham, Knoxville Pediatric Associates |
Secret Safe Place for Newborns | 1133 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy | Maryville, TN 37804 | 865-254-2208